spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: such as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
c
: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.
Recent Examples on the Web For instance, the influencers throwing super spreader parties. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 17 June 2024 Be sure to set your spreader on the proper setting. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2024 The common wisdom is that rat fleas were the big spreaders. Ari Daniel, NPR, 3 June 2024 Advertisement The main spreader of the West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for spreader 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spreader.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spreader was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near spreader

Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

spreader

noun
spread·​er ˈspred-ər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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