spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər 

: one that spreads: such as

a

: an implement for scattering material

b

: a small knife used especially for spreading butter

c

: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cats haven’t been known as a main spreader of virus circulating in the U.S. ‒ but that could change in the future. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

That way, guests get both ingredients with one swipe of a spreader. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2024

Amazon and Home Depot both sell reliable Chapin salt spreaders. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 15 Nov. 2024

Deer mice are also the most common spreader of hantavirus.1 Why Are Mice Bad Inside Your Home? —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spreader

• silent spreader
• super-spreader

Kids Definition

spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspred-ər 

: one that spreads: as

a

: an implement for scattering material

b

: a small knife used especially for spreading butter