# spanning

/ˈspænɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈænɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spanning
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. stretching across space

verb · CEFR B2

to stretch across a physical space, like a bridge crossing a river.

For teachers: extending across a physical distance or gap; often used to describe architectural or natural features.

- The new bridge is spanning the widest part of the river to connect the two towns.
- The suspension bridge is spanning the gorge, providing a vital transport link that bypasses the treacherous mountain passes below.

Usage: Often used in the continuous form to describe a permanent state of being positioned across something.

### 2. stretching across time

verb · CEFR B2

to last for a certain amount of time or cover a range of topics.

For teachers: extending over a period of time or a variety of subjects.

- Her career is spanning three decades and includes work in many different countries.
- The documentary is spanning the entire history of the region, from its early settlement to the modern industrial era.

Usage: Commonly used with time periods like 'decades', 'centuries', or 'generations'.

### 3. the act of bridging

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the act or process of building something across a gap.

For teachers: the action or process of extending a structure across a space.

- The spanning of the canyon was a great achievement for the engineers.
- The successful spanning of the bay required innovative engineering techniques to withstand the high tidal forces.

Usage: Used as a gerund-noun to describe the engineering feat itself.

## Examples

- The bridge is spanning the wide river.
- Her career in the film industry was impressive, spanning over four decades and multiple continents.
- The proposed nature reserve is spanning several distinct ecosystems, providing a protected corridor for migratory species that travel from the mountains to the coastal plains.

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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.