spreads; spread; spreading
1
a
: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
The newspaper was spread across his lap.
Her notes were spread all over the desk.
Help me spread the cloth on the table.
—often + outHe spread out the map on the table. = He spread the map out on the table.
The cards were spread out across the table.
The city is spread out over a wide area. [=the city covers a wide area]
b
: to place (things) over a large area
We spread fertilizer on our yard.
The seeds are spread by wind, birds, and animals.
2
a
: to become larger or to affect a larger area : to move into more places
The fire spread quickly through the building.
The cancer has spread to her throat.
The use of computer technology has spread into all fields of work.
The odor spread throughout the room.
The plant will spread. [=the plant will produce more plants in the area around it]
The fashion quickly spread from France to England.
b
: to cause (something) to be present in more places throughout a large area
Flies spread diseases.
Missionaries were sent to the colonies to spread Christianity.
The religion was spread through/over much of Europe.
3
a
: to pass from person to person
Her determination and desire to win spread to the other players.
b
: to become known by many people
The rumor spread quickly.
The news spread like wildfire. [=the news became known very quickly]
c
: to cause (something) to become known by many people
He was spreading lies/gossip/rumors about her.
People are spreading the word [=telling others] about his book.
4
: to move (parts of your body) outward or away from each other
She spread [=stretched] her arms wide and hugged him.
The bird spreads its wings.
Spread your fingers wide apart.
—often + outSpread out your toes. = Spread your toes out.
There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.
Spread your arms out.
—+ outThere's no room on the couch to spread out. [=stretch out]
5
of a smile or other facial expression
: to appear and slowly grow more apparent
A smile slowly spread across her face.
A look of disbelief spread across/over their faces.
6
: to put a layer of (something) on top of something else
He spread butter on the bread. = He spread the bread with butter.
She carefully spread the plaster over the hole.
Spread the glue evenly on the paper.
7
: to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
The payments are spread over a period of six years.
You should spread the wealth. [=share your money or good fortune with others]
—often + outI plan to spread the work out over the next couple of weeks.
The course is spread out over two semesters.
plural spreads
1
: growth or increase that causes something to cover a larger area, affect a larger number of people, etc.
—often + of
We need to slow the spread of the disease/virus.
the spread of infection
the spread of new technology
the spread of drugs in the city
the spread of civilization/religion/peace
2
: a soft food that is spread on bread, crackers, etc.
She offered crackers and a cheese spread.
He uses low-fat spread on his toast.
3
: the total distance between the two outer edges of something
—usually singular —often + of
the spread of a bird's wings
The plant has a spread of three feet.
4
informal
: a large meal
—usually singular
We always have a huge spread for Thanksgiving.
5
: something (such as an advertisement or a series of photos) that covers two or more pages in a newspaper or magazine
a two-page spread
6
US
: bedspread
7
US
: a large farm or ranch
—usually singular
He bought a spread of 100 acres.
They have quite a spread.
8
: a variety or range of things or people
—usually singular —often + of
The poll showed a large spread of opinions.
Cite this Entry
“Spread.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spread. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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