outspread

[ verb out-spred; adjective out-spred; noun out-spred ]

verb (used with or without object)

, out·spread, out·spread·ing.

1. to spread out; extend:

   an eagle outspreading its wings.

adjective

1. spread out; stretched out:

   outspread arms.

2. diffused abroad; widely disseminated:

   The outspread news had traveled quickly.

noun

1. the act of spreading out; expansion:

   the rapid outspread of the early American colonists.

2. something that is spread out; an expanse:

   a vast outspread of rich farmland.

outspread

verb

1. to spread out or cause to spread out

adjective

1. spread or stretched out
2. scattered or diffused widely

noun

1. a spreading out

Word History and Origins

Origin of outspread¹

1300–50; Middle English outspredden (v.). See out-, spread

Example Sentences

Occasionally, a couple will even have a Jack and Rose moment, one person with arms outspread, the other clutching them around the waist.

From Seattle Times

At the top is an enamelled dove with outspread wings, which represents the Holy Ghost.

From Reuters

We all wish we could still run into the outspread arms of the father we lost.

From Salon

It finished the beautiful pattern and settled itself at the center with blue-furred legs outspread.

From Literature

In it, the angel’s wings are outspread, his gaze forward, his expression startled and open-mouthed, “looking as though he is about to move away from something he is fixedly contemplating,” writes Benjamin.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ample
• broad
• deep
• expanded
• extensive
• far-reaching
• full
• immense
• large
• loose
• spacious
• vast