# spreader

/ˈspɹɛdɝ/ (US) · /spɹˈɛdɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spreader
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

a tool or machine that spreads something over a surface. You use it for things like butter, seeds, or salt on roads.

For teachers: a device or implement for distributing material evenly over a surface, such as seed, fertilizer, or salt. Extends to a person who disseminates information, rumour, or disease.

## Examples

- He uses a small spreader to butter the toast evenly.
- The farmer drives across the field with a fertilizer spreader to feed the young wheat.
- The city uses large spreaders on snowy roads to scatter salt quickly and keep drivers safe during winter storms.

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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.