- 1[uncountable] an increase in the amount or number of something that there is, or in the area that is affected by something to prevent the spread of disease to encourage the spread of information Shut doors to delay the spread of fire. the spread of a city into the surrounding areas see middle-age spread range/variety
- 2[countable, usually singular] a range or variety of people or things a broad spread of opinions There was a good spread of scores on the test.
- 3[countable, uncountable] a soft food that you put on bread Use a low-fat spread instead of butter. cheese spread area covered
- 4[countable, usually singular] spread (of something) the area that something exists in or happens in The company has a good geographical spread of hotels in this region.
- 5[countable, usually singular] spread (of something) how wide something is or the area that something covers The bird's wings have a spread of nearly a yard. in newspaper/magazine
- 6[countable] an article or advertisement in a newspaper or magazine, especially one that covers two opposite pages The story continued with a double-page spread on the inside pages. see center spread meal
- 7[countable] (informal) a large meal, especially one that is prepared for a special occasion They had laid on a huge spread for the party.
- 8[countable, usually singular] spread (of something) an area of land or water a vast spread of water They have a huge spread in California (= a large farm or ranch). finance
- 9[uncountable] the difference between two rates or prices on bed
- 10[countable] = bedspread
increase
Check pronunciation: spread