# expanse

/ɪkˈspæns/ (US) · /ɛkspˈæns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expanse
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a wide, open area of land, water, or sky. It describes a space that feels very large and goes on for a long distance.

For teachers: a wide, continuous area or stretch of something, typically land or sea. Often used to emphasize the vastness or uninterrupted nature of a physical space.

## Examples

- The blue expanse of the ocean stretched out before us.
- From the top of the hill, we could see the vast expanse of the valley below us.
- The hikers were struck by the silent expanse of the desert, where the horizon seemed to recede further with every step they took toward the distant mountains.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the preposition 'of' to describe the material or element filling the space.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.