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

I told her I wanted a white, fake-leather water bed with a black fake-fur bedspread.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

My mom had decorated my room all red — red curtains, red bedspread, red rug, red pillows — and I just knew it did not make me feel good.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2023

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

The bedspread had to be saved for the future.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith