WordGarden.iospread
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sprˈɛd/
US
- /ˈsprɛd/
Meanings
Verb
to open out, arrange, or move something so it covers a wider area
to move outward or become widespread through a place, group, or population
Noun
a soft food meant to be smeared on bread or crackers
the difference between two amounts, prices, rates, or scores
a large or attractive meal with many dishes laid out
More meaningsFewer meanings
two facing pages or a large display layout in a publication
Beyond the definition
Imagine dropping dye into water - it spreads outward, coloring more and more of the liquid. That's one way to think about "spread." It means to extend over an area, like news spreading quickly through a town or butter spreading on toast. But "spread" is not just about physical things. A rumor can spread, a feeling can spread, and even a disease can spread. Think of it as something reaching farther. You might spread kindness by offering help to others, or accidentally spread misinformation if you do not check your sources.
The word "spread" is surprisingly versatile. At its core, it means to extend over a larger area or range, but the way that happens can vary greatly. Physically, something spreads when it is distributed or dispersed. Think of jam spreading on bread, wildfire spreading across a forest, or a map spreading out before you.
But "spread" is not limited to tangible things. Information spreads through communication: news, rumors, ideas. Feelings like joy or fear can also spread from person to person. You might say, "Optimism spread throughout the team after their win." It can even describe something becoming more common: "The use of smartphones has spread rapidly around the world."
As a verb, it describes an action - to cause something to cover more space or reach more people. As a noun (a spread), it can refer to the extent of something ("the spread of the disease") or even a lavish meal ("a delicious breakfast spread").
Historically, "spread" comes from Old English roots meaning "to lay out" or "to extend." So next time you hear about something gaining traction, growing in influence, or simply covering more ground, remember that it is spreading!
Examples
- 1
Beach
She spread a towel on the sand and sat down.
- 2
Food
He spread jam on a piece of toast.
- 3
Fire
The fire spread quickly through the top floor.
- 4
Office news
News of the decision spread fast around the office.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Payment plan
We can spread the cost over six months.
- Patternspread + cost/payment over + period
divide it across that period
- 6
Business risk
The company is trying to spread its risk across different markets.
- Patternspread risk
avoid putting everything into one area
- 7
Facial expression
A smile spread across her face.
- 8
Town growth
The town has spread out toward the sea.
- Phrasespread out
become larger and cover more area
- 9
Workload
They hired two more people to spread the workload more evenly.
- Phrasespread the workload
share the amount of work
- 10
Food display
There was a huge spread of food on the table.
- Phrasea spread of food
a large meal laid out for people
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spread across
- spread over
- spread the word
- spread quickly
Word family
- spreading
- spreadable
Explore
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spreadnounverbadjective
Forms
- spreading-ing formverbnounadjective
- spreadspluralnounverbadjective