expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
Synonyms of expansenext
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.
The stone, a little white-hot comet, flew in a tight, mean line across the expanse. Chang-Rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026 While that may seem like a vast expanse when starting with tiny seedlings, know that these productive plants will spread several feet by the end of the season. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026 Look out the window, and where others see reality as a continuous expanse, flowing inexorably forward from moment to moment, Zeilberger sees a universe that ticks. Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026 An expanse of a clover lawn also brings back sweet childhood memories of hunting for hours on end for the perfect four-leaf clover. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expanse

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1667

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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

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