spread

/sprɛd/
verb
  1. To open, stretch, or extend something so that it covers a larger area.
    • The bird spread its wings and flew away.
    • She spread the map out on the table to find the best route.
    • He spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic.
  2. To apply a layer of a substance over a surface.
    • The painter spread the plaster evenly across the wall.
    • Please spread butter on the toast before adding jam.
    • She spread sunscreen on her arms before going to the beach.
  3. To distribute or scatter something over an area or among people.
    • The news spread quickly through the small town.
    • Farmers spread seeds across the field in the spring.
    • The virus spread from person to person very fast.
  4. To become more widely known, felt, or present.
    • Rumors about the celebrity spread across social media.
    • The smell of fresh bread spread through the entire house.
    • Panic spread among the crowd when the fire alarm went off.
noun
  1. The extent or width of something from side to side.
    • The eagle's wings have a spread of over six feet.
    • He measured the spread of the table to see if it would fit in the room.
    • The spread of the river at this point is about 200 meters.
  2. A soft food that is spread on bread, crackers, etc.
    • She bought a chocolate spread to put on her toast.
    • I like to eat cheese spread on crackers for a snack.
    • The store sells a variety of nut spreads.
  3. A large meal, especially one with many different dishes.
    • They prepared a huge spread for the wedding reception.
    • The buffet spread had options from many different cuisines.
    • The Thanksgiving spread included turkey, stuffing, and pies.
  4. The act of extending or distributing something over an area.
    • The spread of information on the internet is almost instant.
    • The spread of the city into the countryside worried environmentalists.
    • The spread of the disease was slowed by vaccinations.