spread out

phrasal-verb
UK: /ˌspred ˈaʊt/
US: /ˌspred ˈaʊt/

  1. To extend or stretch something to cover a larger area.

    1. Please spread out the map on the table so we can see it.
    2. The protesters spread out across the plaza, blocking traffic for hours.

  2. To arrange things so they are not close together.

    1. We need to spread out the chairs so everyone has enough room.
    2. The general ordered his troops to spread out to avoid heavy casualties.

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

    1. The news spread out quickly through the small town.
    2. The disease continued to spread out despite the quarantine measures.

Synonyms

distribute expand scatter cover extend
spread out adjective

  1. Distributed over a wide area; not concentrated.

    1. The picnic was spread out on a large blanket in the park.
    2. The company's offices are spread out across several different buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "spread out" in English means: To extend or stretch something to cover a larger area., To arrange things so they are not close together., To gradually affect a larger area or more people..

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

Synonyms for "spread out": distribute, expand, scatter, cover, extend.

Example usage of "spread out": "Please spread out the map on the table so we can see it.". More examples on the page.