extension

noun

ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten(t)-shən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
a
: the action of extending : state of being extended
b
: an enlargement in scope or operation
tools are extensions of human hands
2
a
: the total range over which something extends : compass
3
a
: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
b
: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 4a
4
: a property whereby something occupies space
5
: an increase in length of time
specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession
6
: a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources
7
a
: a part constituting an addition
b
: a section or line segment forming an additional length
c
: an extra telephone connected to the principal line
d
: a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair
e
: a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose
8
: a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset

Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life He's asking for a contract extension. Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension. I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.
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.
In July 2007, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves after rejecting an eight-year, $140 million contract extension. Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 But McTavish joined New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes as the only high-profile restricted free agents to have reached the opening of training camp sans contract extension. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 For the Tesla Model Y (sport-utility vehicle), this translates into a potential driving range extension of nearly 90 miles (about 145 km) without increasing the battery pack’s size. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025 Rat Saw God than an extension of its hazy Southern world-building, Bleeds is Wednesday at their best—again. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extension

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of extension was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extension. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
: the act of extending : the state of being extended
2
: an increase in time
was given an extension to finish his project
3
: education by special programs at a distance from a school
4
a
: a part forming an addition or increase
b
: an extra telephone connected to the main line

Medical Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion ik-ˈsten-chən How to pronounce extension (audio)
1
: the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
2
: an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare flexion sense 1

Legal Definition

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion
: an increase in length of time
specifically : an increase in the time allowed under an agreement

More from Merriam-Webster on extension

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