spread out

phrasal verb

spread out; spreading out; spreads out

: to open, arrange, or place (something) over a large area

He spread out the map on the table.

He spread the cards out on the table.

The cards were spread out across the table.

: to be open, arranged, or extended over a large area

The city is spread out over a wide area.

: to move (parts of the body) outward or away from each other

Spread your arms out.

There's no room on the couch to spread yourself out.

: to divide up (something) over a period of time or among members of a group

They spread the work out among the committee members.

The course is spread out over two semesters.

: to move apart from the other members of a group especially to search an area

The police spread out to search the area faster.

Examples of spread out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

With a Chapter 13, payments can be spread out, however the overall cost is a lot more. —

Kate Gibson, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 Morgan-Monroe State Forest spread out nearly 25,000 acres over Morgan and Monroe counties. —

Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Nov. 2024 The home’s two-story facade spreads out wide, with expansive wraparound porches on both the upper and lower floors. —

Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024 This investment will be spread out among updates to laser projectors, immersive sound systems and seating updates, as well as enhancing concession offerings and adding family entertainment options like bowling and arcades. —

Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spread out