expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean

Examples of expanse in a Sentence

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse. the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here, a vast expanse of rolling white dunes embraces thousands of shimmering turquoise and emerald freshwater lagoons, sculpted by seasonal rains. Lily Bunker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025 The storyline follows soldiers Heikki and Pauli who take their first steps toward adulthood in the unforgiving expanse of the Arctic Circle, and interpreter Saara Vainio who leaves her husband for German officer Duisberg, defying both convention and country. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025 Never mind its name, extreme temperatures, and vast expanses of desert—there are also stones that move on their own. Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025 Subtitled Into the Grand Line, the next arc will see the Straw Hats enter the treacherous expanse of water called the Grand Line and visit various locations in and around this territory. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expanse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin expansum, from Latin, neuter of expansus, past participle of expandere

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

expanse

noun
ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean

More from Merriam-Webster on expanse

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