WordGarden.iorange
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈeɪndʒ/
US
- /ˈreɪndʒ/
Meanings
Noun
the variety or scope included
the span between lower and upper limits
the distance or area over which something can reach or operate
More meaningsFewer meanings
a chain of mountains or hills
a large stove with burners and an oven
Verb
to vary between stated limits
Beyond the definition
Think of a cowboy riding across the open plains—that vast area he travels within is his range. But "range" isn't just about physical space! It can also describe how far something extends, like the range of a radio signal, or the variety within a set, such as the range of colors in a rainbow. A skilled singer has a wide vocal range, meaning they can hit both very high and very low notes.
As a verb, "range" means to move about freely within an area. Sheep might range across hillsides looking for grass. It can also describe something that changes between two points: "Ages in the class range from six to ten," or "The prices range from ten to twenty dollars." Whether it's space, extent, or movement, "range" is all about boundaries and the variety that lies within them.
"Range" is a surprisingly versatile word with several distinct meanings, often relating to the idea of limits, scope, or area. At its most basic, range refers to an area used for a particular purpose—like the grazing range for cattle, the firing range at a military base, or even a mountain range where peaks are grouped together. This evokes images of open spaces and freedom of movement.
But "range" isn't limited to geography. It can describe the extent or scope of something's influence or ability. The range of temperatures in Death Valley can be extreme, with very hot days and much cooler nights. A company might expand its product range, offering more variety to customers. A musician's vocal range refers to the span of notes they can comfortably sing, while a car's range refers to how far it can travel before needing fuel.
As a verb, "to range" means to move or roam over an area. "The explorers ranged through the jungle," suggests they were actively exploring and covering ground. It can also mean to extend or vary between certain limits—"Prices ranged from 50." Occasionally, it is used to mean placing things in a specific order: "He ranged the books neatly on the shelf."
Historically, range comes from the Old French word reng, meaning "row" or "line," hinting at its connection to arrangement and extent. So whether you're thinking of vast landscapes, limits of possibility, or simply how things are categorized, "range" is a word that speaks to boundaries, variety, and the space between them.
Examples
- 1
Mountain geography
We could see the whole mountain range from the train.
- 2
Product variety
This store carries a wide range of skin-care products.
- 3
Age group
The class is designed for children in the 8 to 10 age range.
- 4
Price limit
That apartment is outside my price range.
- Phraseoutside someone's price range
too expensive for them
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wireless signal
Stay within range of the router if you want a stronger signal.
- Phrasewithin range
close enough for something to work or reach
- 6
Network coverage
The village is out of range of most mobile networks.
- Phraseout of range
too far away to connect or be reached
- 7
Job duties
Her responsibilities range from answering emails to leading team meetings.
- Patternrange from A to B
include many different things between two limits
- 8
Singing ability
The singer has an impressive vocal range.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rangenounverb
Forms
- ranging-ing formverbnoun
- rangespluralnounverb
- rangedpast tenseverbnoun