spread
extend over a surface or group
To move or make something move to cover a larger space or reach more people.
to spread [something] [over an area/among people]
- The fire spread quickly through the forest.
- Rumors about the incident spread across the small town.
- The virus spread rapidly among the population.
- The news spread fast.
- The fire spread to the next house.
- The smell spread through the room.
apply substance evenly
To put something like butter or paint over a surface in a thin layer.
to spread [substance] [on/over surface]
- She spread butter on the warm toast.
- Spread the paint evenly over the wall.
- He spread jam on his bread.
- I spread butter on my bread.
- She spreads jam on toast.
- He spreads cream on the cake.
growth of coverage or influence
The act of moving over a bigger area or to more people.
- The rapid spread of the disease worried health officials.
- We need to stop the spread of false information online.
- The spread of technology has changed how we live.
- The spread of the fire was fast.
- We want to stop the spread of the virus.
- The spread of news was quick.
large variety of food served
A lot of different food put out for people to eat.
- They prepared an amazing spread for the party.
- The wedding reception had a lavish spread of dishes.
- We enjoyed the holiday spread together.
- There was a big spread at the party.
- We had a nice spread for lunch.
- The hotel gave us a good breakfast spread.
soft food for bread/crackers
Soft food like butter or jam you put on bread.
- I bought a new garlic cheese spread.
- This chocolate spread is very popular with kids.
- She served crackers with various spreads.
- I like peanut butter spread.
- This is my favorite cheese spread.
- We have jam and other spreads for breakfast.
- Base: spread
- Plural: spread, spreads
- Base: spread
- 3rd Person Singular: spreads
- Present Participle: spreading
- Past: spread
- Past Participle: spread
- Irregular past: spread Verb
- Irregular past participle: spread Verb
spread like wildfire
1become known very quickly
To move or become known very fast among many people.
- The rumor spread like wildfire through the school.
- News of their breakup spread like wildfire on social media.
spread like wildfire
1Spread very quickly
If something spreads like wildfire, many people hear about it or it reaches many places very fast.
- The news spread like wildfire after the video was posted.
- A stomach bug spread like wildfire through the school.
- Once the sale started, the discount code spread like wildfire.
spread out
1move into wider positions
To move so there is more space between people or things.
- The crowd began to spread out across the park.
- Spread out so everyone has room to work.
spread the word
1tell others about something
To tell other people information so they know about it too.
- Please spread the word about the charity event.
- We need to spread the word about this new service.
spread oneself too thin
1do too many things at once poorly
To have too many things to do and not enough time or energy to do them well.
- She’s spreading herself too thin by joining so many clubs.
- If you take on too many projects, you'll spread yourself too thin.
- Don’t spread yourself too thin or you’ll burn out.
- She's spreading herself too thin by working two jobs and studying full-time.
spread your wings
1start doing new independent activities
To begin doing new and different things by yourself with confidence.
- After college, he decided to spread his wings and move abroad.
- It’s time for you to spread your wings and explore new opportunities.
spread your wings
2Become independent and confident
To try new things and live more freely and independently.
- After college, she spread her wings and moved abroad.
- It's time for you to spread your wings and explore.