wider; widest
1
a
: extending a great distance from one side to the other : not narrow
a wide [=broad] road
the widest part of the river
a wide smile
b
: measured from side to side : having a specified width
The desk is three feet wide.
How wide is the doorway?
2
: opened as far as possible
Her eyes were wide with wonder.
3
: not limited in range or amount : extensive
We have a wide range of options.
a job calling for wide experience
The election received wide news coverage.
4
: including or involving a large number of people or things
The dishes are available in a wide assortment of colors. [=in many colors]
The book appealed to a wide audience. [=many people liked the book]
That car dealership has the widest [=largest] selection around.
5
: extending throughout a specified area
—usually used in combination
Police conducted a neighborhood-wide search for the suspect. [=police searched for the suspect throughout the neighborhood]
There has been an industry-wide decrease in production.
6
: away from a target
—used to describe something that does not hit what you were aiming at
His shot was wide and landed in the rough.
—often + ofThe shot was wide of the goal. [=the shot missed the goal]
1
: at a great distance : far
The poles were placed wide apart.
2
: to the side of something by a large distance
The shot landed wide.
—usually + ofThe arrow landed/went wide of the target. [=the arrow missed the target]
He hit his shot wide of the green on the sixth hole.
3
: to the fullest extent : as fully as possible : completely
He opened his eyes/mouth wide.
They spread the map out wide.
wide open eyes
His mouth was wide open.
They like to hike through wide open spaces.
It appears that the governor's race is still wide open. [=any of the candidates could win]
Cite this Entry
“Wide.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/wide. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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