expanded
Americanadjective
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increased in area, bulk, or volume; enlarged.
an expanded version of a story.
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spread out; extended.
the expanded frontiers of the Roman Empire.
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Printing. Also (of type) wider in proportion to its height.
adjective
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Also: extended. (of printer's type) wider than usual for a particular height Compare condensed
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(of a plastic) having been foamed during manufacture by the introduction of a gas in order to make a light packaging material or heat insulator See also expanded metal
expanded polystyrene
Other Word Forms
- expandedness noun
- nonexpanded adjective
- self-expanded adjective
- semiexpanded adjective
- unexpanded adjective
Etymology
Origin of expanded
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; expand + -ed 2
Explanation
Something that is expanded has been increased in size. For example, an expanded edition DVD has many more special features than the standard edition. You might prefer the expanded edition of the diary, since it contains all the extra little tidbits they were afraid to include in the original, smaller version. An expanded retail zone will mean more stores with more options. On the other hand it will likely also mean an expanded zone of chaos and cars.
Vocabulary lists containing expanded
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Over the weekend, Tesla expanded its robotaxi service to include parts of both Dallas and Houston.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026
Ice-cream and Bubble Tea outlet Mixue operates more stores globally than McDonald's or Starbucks, while Molly Tea has expanded internationally within just a few years of being founded.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
In Q4 2025, revenue rose 9.7% and earnings 10%; the company also uses digital, loyalty, and expanded beverage offerings.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
“I think there will be great interest in expanded options for families.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026
As the country expanded westward, the argument intensified: When new states and territories were added to the nation, should slavery be permitted in them?
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
