1 A2 neutral
To open something flat over a surface, or to arrange things across a wider area
"She spread her notes out on the desk so she could see everything at once."
separable
spread out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To extend over a large area, or to arrange things over a wide surface
In plain English
To open up and cover a lot of space, or to lay things out so they're not all in one pile
What does "spread out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
Of people or things, to move or be positioned across a large area
"The hikers spread out along the trail so they could each enjoy the view."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
Of a city, building, or landscape, to extend over a wide geographical area
"From the hilltop, the city spread out before us in every direction."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To spread in an outward direction — fully transparent
Actually means
To open up and cover a lot of space, or to lay things out so they're not all in one pile
Usage tip
Extremely common and versatile. Used for people moving apart to cover space, objects being laid out, cities expanding, and ideas being distributed. Also used as an adjective: 'a spread-out city.' The separable transitive use is very natural: 'spread the map out on the table.'
Words that pair with "spread out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
map city papers blanket troops hands
How to conjugate "spread out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spread out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spreads out
he/she/it
Past simple
spreaded out
yesterday
Past participle
spreaded out
have + pp
-ing form
spreading out
continuous
Hear "spread out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "spread out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "spread out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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