1 B1 neutral
Of a group of people: to spread out from a central point in different directions.
"The rescue team fanned out across the hillside to search for the missing hiker."
inseparable
fan out
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To spread out from a central point in different directions, like the shape of an open fan.
In plain English
To go out in many directions from one place, like soldiers searching a field.
What does "fan out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To arrange flat objects (such as cards or papers) in an overlapping arc.
"He fanned out the playing cards so everyone could choose one."
separable
3 B1 neutral
Of a shape or structure: to widen gradually outward from a narrow point.
"The river delta fans out into dozens of smaller channels before reaching the sea."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To open out like a handheld fan — the shape is the key image.
Actually means
To go out in many directions from one place, like soldiers searching a field.
Usage tip
Common in military, sports, and search-and-rescue contexts. Also used for physical objects like cards or feathers arranged in a spread.
Words that pair with "fan out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
troops search party cards feathers team fingers
How to conjugate "fan out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fan out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fans out
he/she/it
Past simple
faned out
yesterday
Past participle
faned out
have + pp
-ing form
faning out
continuous
Hear "fan out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fan out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fan out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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