1
: the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand
also
: an English unit of length equal to nine inches (22.9 centimeters)
2
: an extent, stretch, reach, or spread between two limits: such as
a
: a limited space (as of time)
especially
: an individual's lifetime
b
: the spread or extent between abutments or supports (as of a bridge)
also
: a portion thus supported
c
: the maximum distance laterally from tip to tip of an airplane
spanned; spanning
1
a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
b
: measure
2
a
: to extend across
a career that spanned four decades
b
: to form an arch over
a small bridge spanned the pond
c
: to place or construct a span over
3
: to be capable of expressing any element of under given operations
a set of vectors that spans a vector space
: a pair of animals (such as mules) usually matched in appearance and action and driven together
Synonyms
Examples of span in a Sentence
Verb
His career as a singer spanned three decades.
Their empire once spanned several continents.
Her academic interests span a wide variety of topics.
A bridge spans the river.
Recent Examples on the Web
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024
The billionaire’s vast business empire spans airports, mining, ports, cement, and power generation.
—Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024
Over the span of several weeks, students would take shifts sawing, hauling and trucking nearly 5,000 logs from a nearby plot of land.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for span 
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Verb
Elsewhere, the primary bedroom spans a whopping 1,400 square feet and sports walk-in closets, dual baths, and a balcony with an outdoor rain shower.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024
The billionaire’s vast business empire spans airports, mining, ports, cement, and power generation.
—Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Denver allowed a pressure rate of 28.3% and five sacks — the second-lowest in the league during that span.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024
Over the span of several weeks, students would take shifts sawing, hauling and trucking nearly 5,000 logs from a nearby plot of land.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for span
Dictionary Entries Near span
Cite this Entry
“Span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/span. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
span
1 of 3 noun1
: the distance from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger of a spread hand
also
: an English unit of length equal to 9 inches (about 22.9 centimeters)
2
a
: a limited portion of time
span of life
b
: the spread (as of an arch) from one support to another
c
: the portion supported to form a span
span
2 of 3 verb
spanned; spanning
1
a
: to measure by or as if by the hand with fingers and thumb extended
2
a
: to reach or extend across
a bridge spans the river
a career that spans four decades
b
: to place or construct a span over
span
3 of 3 noun
: a pair of animals (as mules) driven together
Etymology
Noun
Old English spann "distance measured by the outstretched hand"
Noun
from Dutch span "a pair of animals driven together," derived from earlier spannen "to hitch up"
Medical Definition
span
noun1
: an extent of distance or of time
especially
: life span
2
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