to spread
Pronunciation
/sprɛd/

Definition & Meaning of "spread"in English

to spread
01

to extend or increase in influence or effect over a larger area or group of people

Intransitive: to spread
to spread definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Irregular
Present tense
spread
3rd person singular
spreads
Present participle
spreading
Past simple
spread
Past participle
spread
Examples
The flu virus can easily spread in crowded places.
02

to open something that is closed or folded

Transitive: to spread a closed or folded object
to spread definition and meaning
Examples
She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic.
03

to extend something across a surface or throughout a space

Transitive: to spread sth somewhere
to spread definition and meaning
Examples
The gardener spread fertilizer across the entire lawn to promote healthy grass growth.
04

to put a layer of a smooth or soft substance over a surface

Transitive: to spread a soft substance on a surface
to spread definition and meaning
Examples
She spread butter on her toast before adding the jam.
05

to cause something to reach or affect a larger area or group of people

Transitive: to spread influence of something
Examples
The campaign spread its influence to neighboring cities.
06

to make more people know or be aware of something by sharing or promoting it

Transitive: to spread a piece of information or message
Examples
The organization spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation through educational campaigns.
07

to extend or stretch something out

Transitive: to spread a body part
Examples
The eagle spread its wings wide as it soared gracefully through the sky.
08

to cover or overlay a surface with a substance, material, or object

Transitive: to spread a surface with a material
Examples
The artist spread the sculpture with a layer of wax to give it a glossy finish.
09

to become known by a larger group of people

Examples
The rumor spread quickly throughout the office.
Spread
01

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

spread definition and meaning
02

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
spreads
03

a haphazard distribution in all directions

04

the act or process of something becoming known or shared by a larger area or group

Examples
The rapid spread of ideas led to important social changes.
05

decorative cover for a bed

06

a feast featuring a variety of delicious dishes that bring immense satisfaction and pleasure to those partaking in it

What is a "spread"?

Spread refers to a selection of foods laid out for a meal or gathering. It typically features many food options, including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts, allowing guests to indulge in a variety of flavors and textures. A spread is often associated with celebratory occasions or special events, where food is a central focus and brings people together to share in the joy of good company and delicious fare.

07

a shared improvised meal made from commissary items

Slang

What does "spread" mean in prison slang?

The structure is a simple noun borrowed from the idea of "spreading out" food items on a surface, turning a verb into a noun for a communal meal. It is used to describe a shared improvised meal made from commissary items such as ramen noodles, chips, cheese spread, sausage, and other snack foods, often combined and cooked using hot water from a tap or a makeshift heater. Inmates typically make a spread to celebrate birthdays, share with friends, or trade as a form of social currency.

Examples
The inmates prepared a spread from chips, ramen, and canned tuna.
08

a soft food that is put onto bread, crackers, or other foods with a knife

Examples
She made a garlic spread for the sandwiches.
spread
01

distributed or spread over a considerable extent

Grammatical Information
Composition
past participle adjective
qualitative
Superlative
most spread
Comparative
more spread
gradable
02

expanded in dimension

03

prepared or arranged for a meal; especially having food set out

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