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

For the vast expanse of human history, we engaged face-to-face with others, developing exquisite abilities to read a partner’s emotional state, instinctively mirroring gestures to sharpen our own awareness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As Kadiwala drove into the enclave in a United Nations convoy late last year, he saw an endless expanse of gray rubble.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Yet Palisadeans themselves seem divided on the library, with some decrying the proposed use of the rec center’s grassy expanse, a rare green oasis in the charred neighborhood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• plain 
• stretch 
• tract 
• wilderness