expanse

American  

[ik-spans] / ɪkˈspæns /

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.

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expanse British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of expanse

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

Example Sentences

The order targets leases and concessions in Topanga State Park, an 11,525-acre expanse of hills and canyons overlooking the Pacific Ocean that was home to several small businesses before the fire.

From The Wall Street Journal

Photos shared by the agency on social media showed the snow-lined highway littered with boulders and debris and expanses of it buckled and broken.

From Los Angeles Times

But for Angelenos seeking adventure — and even solitude — a vast forested expanse awaits.

From Los Angeles Times

Nowhere does that make more sense than in the frozen expanses of the Arctic.

From The Wall Street Journal

Steph Sarah recalls a time in Venice Beach’s mythical skateboarding history — long before the sandy expanse on Ocean Front Walk became the world-famous skate park, a concrete playground where pro skaters are born.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• plain
• stretch
• tract
• wilderness