- 1[intransitive, transitive] to become greater in size, number, or importance; to make something greater in size, number, or importance Metals expand when they are heated. Student numbers are expanding rapidly. A child's vocabulary expands through reading. The waist expands to fit all sizes. expand something In breathing, the chest muscles expand the rib cage and allow air to be sucked into the lungs. The new system expanded the role of social workers. There are no plans to expand the local airport. opposite contract
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- 2[intransitive, transitive] if a business expands or is expanded, new branches are opened, it makes more money, etc. an expanding economy (= with more businesses starting and growing) expand something We've expanded the business by opening two more stores.
- 3[intransitive] to talk more; to add details to what you are saying I repeated the question and waited for her to expand. Phrasal Verbsexpand on
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NAmE//ɪkˈspænd//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they expand he / she / it expands
past simple expanded
-ing form expanding
Check pronunciation: expand