plural ranges
1
: a group or collection of different things or people that are usually similar in some way
—usually singular —usually + of
We'll be covering a range of topics in this class.
The rugs are available in a range of colors.
The new computer system should solve a whole range of problems.
2
: a series of numbers that includes the highest and lowest possible amounts
—usually singular
What's the salary range for the job? [=what are the highest and lowest salaries that people are paid for the job?]
The car is out of our price range. [=it is too expensive]
Bicycles come in every price range.
The game is designed for children in the 7 to 13 age range.
His blood pressure is in the normal range.
Tickets cost in the $200 range. [=tickets cost approximately $200]
3
: the total amount of ability, knowledge, experience, etc., that a person has
—usually singular
an actor with an impressive range [=an impressive ability to act many roles]
The technical vocabulary is a little outside my range (of expertise).
4
: all of the notes that a particular person can sing or that a particular musical instrument can make
—usually singular
The song is out of my vocal range.
The singer's range has gotten broader over the years.
5
a
: a specified distance
The photograph was taken at close/short range. [=taken from a close distance]
You can see the whole playing field at long range. [=from far away]
Both photographs were shot at close ranges.
b
: the distance over which someone or something can see, hear, or reach someone or something else
We were within the siren's range. = We were within range of the siren. [=we could hear the siren]
I can't get the radio station west of the mountains because I'm out of range there.
She told the children not to wander out of range of her voice/vision.
The troops were within range of the enemy's artillery.
a missile with a 400-mile range = a missile with a range of 400 miles
The antenna gives the radio a range of about 20 miles.
c
: the distance that an airplane or other vehicle can travel before it needs more fuel
The airplane has a 1,200-mile range. = The airplane has a range of 1,200 miles.
6
: a series of mountains or hills in a line
the northern and southern mountain ranges
—sometimes used in the names of mountain rangesthe Cascade Range
7
US
: open land that farm animals (such as cows and sheep) use for grazing and roaming : rangeland
the areas of open range in Wyoming
The book identifies plants that grow on the western ranges.
8
: the ability to move around
He wears loose clothing to give his arms and legs free range of motion.
9
: the area in which an animal or plant naturally lives
The grizzly bear's range is largely limited to the northwestern parts of North America.
10
a
: a place where people can practice shooting guns
a firing/shooting/rifle range
b
: a place where weapons are tested
a missile range
c
: a place where people can practice hitting golf balls : driving range
11
US
: a large piece of kitchen equipment that consists of an oven and a stove
a gas/electric range [=(Brit) cooker]
12
chiefly British
: a group of related products that are sold by one company
The company has a wide product range.
a full range [=line] of electrical supplies
ranges; ranged; ranging
1
: to include everything between specified limits
The selection of food ranged from mild to very spicy.
The game is designed for children whose ages range between 7 and 13. = The game is designed for children ranging in age from 7 to 13.
The rugs range in size/price/color. [=there is a variety of rugs in different sizes/prices/colors]
Items on the menu range from American fare like hamburgers and hot dogs to Italian pasta dishes.
2
: to live or grow in a particular area
Grizzly bears range over a much smaller area than they once did.
The plant once ranged across the island.
3
: to move around an area
The tribe ranged [=roamed] far and wide in search of good land.
The farmers let the horses range [=rove] freely.
—often used figurativelyThe essay ranges widely over a variety of topics.
4
formal
: to arrange (people or things) in a particular place or area
The children ranged themselves around the teacher's chair to listen to the story.
—usually used as (be) rangedChairs were ranged along the edge of the garden.
Soldiers were ranged along the palace walls.
5
formal
: to join with other people who support or oppose someone or something
They have ranged themselves in opposition to the proposed new law.
—often used as (be) rangedSeveral groups are ranged against the proposed new law. [=several groups have joined together to fight/oppose the proposed new law]
Cite this Entry
“Range.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/range. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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