outspread

American  

[out-spred, out-spred, out-spred] / ˌaʊtˈsprɛd, ˈaʊtˈsprɛd, ˈaʊtˌsprɛd /

verb (used with or without object)

outspread, outspreading

1. to spread out; extend.

   an eagle outspreading its wings.

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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 British  

verb

1. to spread out or cause to spread out

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adjective

1. spread or stretched out

2. scattered or diffused widely

noun

1. a spreading out

Etymology

Origin of outspread

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

Example Sentences

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

From Reuters • May 5, 2023

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

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2022

Each crater held a single, stolid icefish, dark pectoral fins outspread like bat wings over a clutch of eggs.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2022

When the dough has doubled in size, about an hour or so, push it down with outspread fingers, making dimples in the dough.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 5, 2021

The dim Chapel of Calvary held a mournful mural of Jesus lying arms outspread and dead on the cross after it was taken down and laid on the ground.

From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye

Related Words

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