spread out

phrasal verb

spread out; spreading out; spreads out

1

: 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.

2

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

The city is spread out over a wide area.

3

: 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.

4

: 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.

5

: 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

Both sides expand an extra 10 inches, giving her double the space to spread out and move around during the flight or while in the boarding area. —Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Put down the fine table salt and choose a coarse or flaked variety instead, sprinkling on top to spread out the granules. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread out in an even layer. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 28 Dec. 2024

The nuclear-weapons overhaul involves facilities spread out across the United States. —Abe Streep, The New Yorker, 27 Dec. 2024