bedspread

American  

[bed-spred] / ˈbɛdˌsprɛd /

noun

1. an outer covering, usually decorative, for a bed.

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bedspread British  

/ ˈbɛdˌsprɛd /

noun

1. a top cover on a bed over other bedclothes

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Etymology

Origin of bedspread

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; bed + spread

Compare meaning

How does bedspread compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• coverlet vs. bedspread

Example Sentences

Perhaps that’s somewhat different from covering a duvet with a bedspread — although, in fairness, that doesn’t exist either.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

So Squire and his colleagues analysed everything they could see in Lucy's room: the bedspread, her outfits, her stuffed toys.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

I let him select a new bedspread and I can still remember the hippie patchwork red velvet one he chose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Emma Kirk, who is from Grenada, Mississippi and a freshman at University of Mississippi, tapped into Thomas’s services and bought a gold studded headboard, custom-made pillows and bedspread among other items.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2023

Faith, beside me under a red velvet bedspread.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx