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

He saw the big hands outspread, he saw the slightly stooping shoulders, he saw the face and eyes, the light blue eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill swung her aside and placed himself squarely in front of the door, his arms outspread.

From Project Gutenberg

At that short distance Sweeny would hardly have missed; and the nearest Apache, leaning forward with outspread arms, fell dead.

From Project Gutenberg

Using the outspread fingers of each hand, begin with the unglued edge and roll the paper around the wood.

From Project Gutenberg

Below her was outspread the little town—the straggling, wretched little town—crude, lonely, lifeless!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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