spread

verb
UK: /spred/
US: /spred/

  1. To open or arrange something over a large area.

    1. I spread the map on the table to see the route we'd take. [ ] [ ]
    2. The farmer spread fertilizer across the field to help the crops grow. [ ] [ ]

  2. To gradually affect a larger area or more people.

    1. The news quickly spread through the small town. [ ] [ ]
    2. Rumors began to spread about the company's financial difficulties. [ ] [ ]

  3. To apply a substance thinly over a surface.

    1. Can you spread butter on this toast for me? [ ] [ ]
    2. She spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bagel before adding the toppings. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

distribute cover extend expansion array expanse
spread noun

  1. A soft food that you put on bread or crackers.

    1. I like peanut butter spread on my toast. [ ] [ ]
    2. We offered a variety of spreads at the party, including hummus and guacamole. [ ] [ ]

  2. The act of spreading something.

    1. The spread of information is faster now than ever before. [ ] [ ]
    2. We are trying to prevent the spread of the disease with vaccinations. [ ] [ ]

  3. A large meal with a variety of dishes.

    1. They put on a big spread for the holiday party. [ ] [ ]
    2. The buffet included an impressive spread of salads, entrees, and desserts. [ ] [ ]
spread adjective

  1. Distributed or scattered over an area.

    1. There was a wide spread of ages at the event. [ ] [ ]
    2. The damage was spread across several departments, affecting many projects. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "spread" in English means: To open or arrange something over a large area., To gradually affect a larger area or more people., To apply a substance thinly over a surface..

The phonetic transcription of "spread" is /spred/ in British English and /spred/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "spread": distribute, cover, extend, expansion, array, expanse.

Example usage of "spread": "I spread the map on the table to see the route we'd take.". More examples on the page.