adjective
sparer; sparest
always used before a noun
kept as something extra that can be used if it is needed
available to be used in whatever way you want
not needed by you and available to be shared or given to someone else
somewhat thin
simple or plain
going spare
Brit informal :not being used :available for someone to use
go spare
Brit informal :to become very angry or upset
verb
spares; spared; sparing
[+ obj] to choose not to punish or harm (someone)
to not destroy or harm (something)
to prevent (someone or something) from experiencing or being affected by something unpleasant, harmful, etc.
to give (something, such as time, money, etc.) to someone
to not do or provide (something)
to use or give out (something) in small amounts - usually used in negative statements
spare someone's blushes
Brit informal :to prevent someone from being embarrassed
spare someone's feelings
to avoid doing or saying something that will hurt someone emotionally :to avoid upsetting someone
spare (someone) the details
to not tell someone all the unpleasant or boring details about something
to spare
If you have money, time, energy, etc., to spare, you have more than enough money, time, energy, etc.
noun
plural spares
[count] something extra that is kept to be used if it is needed
bowling :the achievement of knocking down all 10 pins with the first two balls
US