expanse

[ik-spans]

noun

1. an uninterrupted space or area; a wide extent of anything.

   an expanse of water.

   Synonyms: stretch, range, reach, sweep

2. something that is spread out, especially over a relatively large area.

   that great expanse, the sky.

3. expansion; extension.

   the wide expanse of scientific knowledge.

expanse

/ ɪkˈspæns /

noun

1. an uninterrupted surface of something that spreads or extends, esp over a wide area; stretch

   an expanse of water

2. expansion or extension

Word History and Origins

Origin of expanse¹

1660–70; < New Latin expānsum, noun use of neuter of Latin expānsus, past participle of expandere to expand

Word History and Origins

Origin of expanse¹

C17: from New Latin expansum the heavens, from Latin expansus spread out, from expandere to _expand

Example Sentences

Several dozen horses calmly graze along the shores of Mono Lake, a sparkling saline expanse spread out before the jagged Sierra Nevada mountains.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

India's trains are often called the lifeline of the country because of the expanse of their network and how affordable they are.

Read more on BBC

They clutched trash bags and surveyed the expanse of trash-filled sidewalks and gutters before them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Time and time again, speeding cars have plowed through Plaza Park’s grassy expanses and vibrant rosebushes, demolishing wood benches and slamming into the beloved 88-year-old fountain.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gone are the carefully tended beds of flowers and the long expanse of lawn.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• plain 
• stretch 
• tract 
• wilderness