To stretch out, open out (a material etc.) so that it more fully covers a given area of space.
He spread his newspaper on the table.
To extend (individual rays, limbs etc.); to stretch out in varying or opposing directions.
I spread my arms wide and welcomed him home.
To disperse, to scatter or distribute over a given area.
I spread the rice grains evenly over the floor.
To proliferate; to become more widely present, to be disseminated.
To disseminate; to cause to proliferate, to make (something) widely known or present.
The missionaries quickly spread their new message across the country.
To take up a larger area or space; to expand, be extended.
I dropped my glass; the water spread quickly over the tiled floor.
To smear, to distribute in a thin layer.
She liked to spread butter on her toast while it was still hot.
To cover (something) with a thin layer of some substance, as of butter.
He always spreads his toast with peanut butter and strawberry jam.
To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions.
to spread a table
To open one’s legs, especially for sexual favours.
The act by which something is spread.