extended

American  

[ik-sten-did] / ɪkˈstɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out.

   extended wires.

2. continued or prolonged.

   extended efforts.

3. spread out.

   extended flags.

4. widespread or extensive; having extension or spatial magnitude.

   extended treatment of a subject.

5. outstretched.

   extended arms.

6. Printing. expanded.

7. of or relating to a meaning of a word other than its original or primary meaning.

   an extended sense.

8. Manège.

   1. (of a moving horse) noting an elongated pose in which the legs reach out from the body, the chin is out from the chest, etc.

   2. (of the gait of a horse) characterized by long, low, usually fast strides.

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extended British  

/ ɪkˈstɛndɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out in time, space, influence, application, etc

2. (of a horse's pace) free-moving and with long steps

   an extended trot

3. printing another word for expanded

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Other Word Forms

• extendedly adverb
• extendedness noun
• nonextended adjective
• unextended adjective
• unextendedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of extended

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; extend + -ed ²

Explanation

Something that is extended has been fully stretched out or elongated. An extended period of time is an extremely long period of time. To extend something is to make it longer, either physically or in terms of time. Anything extended has been stretched out in this way. An extended rubber band will snap back or break. An extended hose can be used to put out a fire. If you live with your parents in your twenties, it's like an extended childhood.

Example Sentences

While the company extended its streak of profit beats and hiked its dividend by 13%, net sales missed expectations for the second straight quarter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

I’m looking forward to an extended stay in France later this year much more than seeing my name in print.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

With no sign of Mandy at her last known location, the crew extended its search further out.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The equity advances extended a rebound enjoyed last week after Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire in the war, which has sent shockwaves through the world economy since it started on February 28.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

I lifted my hand in the air, my index finger extended.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

• continued
• drawn-out
• lengthy
• protracted