verb
spreads; spread; spreading
[+ obj] to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area
to place (things) over a large area
[no obj] :to become larger or to affect a larger area :to move into more places
[+ obj] :to cause (something) to be present in more places throughout a large area
[no obj] :to pass from person to person
[no obj] :to become known by many people
[+ obj] :to cause (something) to become known by many people
to move (parts of your body) outward or away from each other [+ obj]
+ out
[no obj] of a smile or other facial expression :to appear and slowly grow more apparent
[+ obj] :to put a layer of (something) on top of something else
[+ obj] :to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group
spread out
[phrasal verb]
to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area
spread your net wide
spread your wings
noun
plural spreads
[noncount] :growth or increase that causes something to cover a larger area, affect a larger number of people, etc. - often + of
a soft food that is spread on bread, crackers, etc. [count]
[count] :the total distance between the two outer edges of something - usually singular; often + of
[count] informal :a large meal - usually singular
[count] :something (such as an advertisement or a series of photos) that covers two or more pages in a newspaper or magazine
[count] US :bedspread
[count] US :a large farm or ranch - usually singular
[count] :a variety or range of things or people - usually singular; often + of