# spread

/ˈspɹɛd/ (US) · /spɹˈɛd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spread
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to cover an area

verb · CEFR A2

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

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

- He spread the map out on the table so everyone could see the route.
- The search party spread across the valley in a line, ensuring that no section of the dense underbrush remained unexamined.

### 2. to share information

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: to disseminate information, rumours, or ideas to a wider audience.

- The news of the wedding spread quickly through the small village.
- Social media allows misinformation to spread at an alarming rate before fact-checkers have the opportunity to intervene.

### 3. to smear a substance

verb · CEFR A2

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

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

- She spread some strawberry jam on her toast before eating breakfast.
- The mason spread the mortar evenly along the row of bricks to ensure a level foundation for the next course.

### 4. soft food

noun · CEFR A2

a soft food that you put on bread or crackers.

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

- He bought a jar of chocolate spread for the children's snacks.
- The appetizer tray featured a variety of savory spreads, including hummus and a spicy roasted pepper dip.

### 5. a large meal

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- There was a wonderful spread of food at the retirement party.
- The hosts prepared a magnificent spread for the visiting delegates, showcasing the best of the local culinary traditions.

### 6. magazine/book layout

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The fashion magazine had a ten-page spread on summer dresses.
- The photographer was thrilled to see her landscape series featured in a double-page spread in the Sunday supplement.

### 7. numerical difference

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the difference between two rates, prices, or scores.

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

- The bank makes money from the spread between interest rates.
- Investors watched the yield spread closely, as a narrowing gap often signals a shift in market confidence.

### 8. prison food

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · American English

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

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

- The inmates gathered in the cell to share a spread they had made.
- Despite the limited resources, the group managed to assemble a surprisingly flavorful spread using ramen noodles and canned meats.

## Examples

- The bank makes money from the spread between interest rates.
- Investors often look for a narrow spread because it means the market for that stock is very active.
- While the nominal price remained stable, the widening spread between the bid and ask suggested that liquidity was drying up ahead of the central bank's announcement.

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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.