spread out
phrasal verb
spread out; spreading out; spreads out
1
: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
He spread out the map on the table.
He spread the cards out on the table.
The cards were spread out across the table.
2
: to be open, arranged, or extended over a large area
The city is spread out over a wide area.
3
: to move (parts of the body) outward or away from each other
Spread your arms out.
There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.
4
: to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
They spread the work out among the committee members.
The course is spread out over two semesters.
5
: to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area
The police spread out to search the area faster.
Examples of spread out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Additionally, make sure to schedule your appointments when your hair actually needs the attention—not too frequently and not to spread out.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
At the school board’s September meeting, the steering committee will recommend which schools to close and a potential timeline for their closure, likely spread out over the next two to three years, not all at once.
—Kendrick Calfee
february 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and spread out across the property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants.
—Steven John, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s because flushes are spread out and not condensed in one area.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread out
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Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
At the school board’s September meeting, the steering committee will recommend which schools to close and a potential timeline for their closure, likely spread out over the next two to three years, not all at once.
—Kendrick Calfee
february 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and spread out across the property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants.
—Steven John, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s because flushes are spread out and not condensed in one area.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spread out
Cite this Entry
“Spread out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spread%20out. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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