1
: the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand
also
: an English unit of length equal to nine inches (22.9 centimeters)
2
: an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits: such as
a
: a limited space (as of time)
especially
: an individual's lifetime
b
: the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge)
also
: a portion thus supported
c
: the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane
spanned; spanning
1
a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
b
: measure
2
a
: to extend across
a career that spanned four decades
b
: to form an arch over
a small bridge spanned the pond
c
: to place or construct a span over
3
: to be capable of expressing any element of under given operations
a set of vectors that spans a vector space
: a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together
Synonyms
Examples of span in a Sentence
Verb
His career as a singer spanned three decades.
Their empire once spanned several continents.
Her academic interests span a wide variety of topics.
A bridge spans the river.
Recent Examples on the Web
Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
Professionally, Ken’s career spanned various prestigious roles, from architectural firms to construction management companies, leaving an indelible mark on numerous projects across the United States.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Nate Rau, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
Dennis Schroder was basically part of four teams in the span of about 18 hours.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for span 
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Verb
Kanye’s relationship with the company spanned almost a decade and included multiple collaborations with Kanye’s billion-dollar clothing line, Yeezy.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025
Professionally, Ken’s career spanned various prestigious roles, from architectural firms to construction management companies, leaving an indelible mark on numerous projects across the United States.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
Kevin Dyson went from a euphoric gridiron high to a devastating low in the span of a few weeks.
—Nate Rau, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
Dennis Schroder was basically part of four teams in the span of about 18 hours.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for span
Dictionary Entries Near span
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/span. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
span
1 of 3 noun1
: the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand
also
: an English unit of length equal to 9 inches (about 22.9 centimeters)
2
a
: a limited portion of time
span of life
b
: the spread (as of an arch) from one support to another
c
: the portion supported to form a span
span
2 of 3 verb
spanned; spanning
1
a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
2
a
: to reach or extend across
a bridge spans the river
a career that spans four decades
b
: to place or construct a span over
span
3 of 3 noun
: a pair of animals (as mules) driven together
Etymology
Noun
Old English spann "distance measured by the outstretched hand"
Noun
from Dutch span "a pair of animals driven together," derived from earlier spannen "to hitch up"
Medical Definition
span
noun1
: an extent of distance or of time
especially
: life span
2
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