ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spread

v. · n.
US //ˈspɹɛd// UK //spɹˈɛd// spread
Irregular verb past spread past participle spread
  1. 1 to cover an area (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to open something out or move things so they cover a wider space.

    to extend or stretch out over a larger area; can be used transitively with an object or intransitively to describe growth.

    Example

    He spread the map out on the table so everyone could see the route.

    Example

    The search party spread across the valley in a line, ensuring that no section of the dense underbrush remained unexamined.
  2. 2 to share information (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make news, ideas, or information known to many people.

    to disseminate information, rumours, or ideas to a wider audience.

    Example

    The news of the wedding spread quickly through the small village.

    Example

    Social media allows misinformation to spread at an alarming rate before fact-checkers have the opportunity to intervene.
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  1. 3 to smear a substance (v.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    to put a thin layer of something soft, like butter or paint, onto a surface.

    to apply a substance in a thin layer over a surface using pressure.

    Example

    She spread some strawberry jam on her toast before eating breakfast.

    Example

    The mason spread the mortar evenly along the row of bricks to ensure a level foundation for the next course.
  2. 4 soft food (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    a soft food that you put on bread or crackers.

    any food substance intended to be applied to bread or crackers with a knife.

    Example

    He bought a jar of chocolate spread for the children's snacks.

    Example

    The appetizer tray featured a variety of savory spreads, including hummus and a spicy roasted pepper dip.
  3. 5 a large meal (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a very large and impressive meal laid out on a table.

    an expansive or elaborate meal, typically presented for a special occasion.

    Example

    There was a wonderful spread of food at the retirement party.

    Example

    The hosts prepared a magnificent spread for the visiting delegates, showcasing the best of the local culinary traditions.
  4. 6 magazine/book layout (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an article or set of pictures that covers two facing pages in a magazine.

    a set of articles or photographs occupying two facing pages or multiple columns in a publication.

    Example

    The fashion magazine had a ten-page spread on summer dresses.

    Example

    The photographer was thrilled to see her landscape series featured in a double-page spread in the Sunday supplement.
  5. 7 numerical difference (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    the difference between two rates, prices, or scores.

    the gap or difference between two figures, such as buy and sell prices or sports scores.

    Example

    The bank makes money from the spread between interest rates.

    Example

    Investors watched the yield spread closely, as a narrowing gap often signals a shift in market confidence.
  6. 8 prison food (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang American English

    a meal made by prisoners using different ingredients they have available.

    a meal improvised by inmates from various canteen items to supplement standard prison rations.

    Example

    The inmates gathered in the cell to share a spread they had made.

    Example

    Despite the limited resources, the group managed to assemble a surprisingly flavorful spread using ramen noodles and canned meats.

Etymology 1

From Middle English spreden, from Old English sprǣdan (“to spread, expand”), from Proto-Germanic spraidijaną (“to spread”), from Proto-Indo-European (s)per- (“to strew, sow, sprinkle”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian spreede (“to spread”), West Frisian spriede (“to spread”), North Frisian spriedjen (“to spread”), Dutch spreiden (“to spread”), Low German spreden (“to spread”), German spreiten (“to spread, spread out”), Danish sprede (“to spread”), Norwegian spre, spreie (“to spread, disseminate”), Swedish sprida (“to spread”), Latin spernō, spargō, Ancient Greek σπείρω (speírō), Persian سپردن (sepordan, “to deposit”), English spurn.

Etymology 2

Blend of speed + read.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

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