extended

American  

[ik-sten-did] / ɪkˈstɛn dɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out.

   extended wires.

2. continued or prolonged.

   extended efforts.

3. spread out.

   extended flags.

4. widespread or extensive; having extension or spatial magnitude.

   extended treatment of a subject.

5. outstretched.

   extended arms.

6. Printing. expanded.

7. of or relating to a meaning of a word other than its original or primary meaning.

   an extended sense.

8. Manège.

   1. (of a moving horse) noting an elongated pose in which the legs reach out from the body, the chin is out from the chest, etc.

   2. (of the gait of a horse) characterized by long, low, usually fast strides.

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extended British  

/ ɪkˈstɛndɪd /

adjective

1. stretched out in time, space, influence, application, etc

2. (of a horse's pace) free-moving and with long steps

   an extended trot

3. printing another word for expanded

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Other Word Forms

• extendedly adverb
• extendedness noun
• nonextended adjective
• unextended adjective
• unextendedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of extended

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; extend + -ed ²

Explanation

Something that is extended has been fully stretched out or elongated. An extended period of time is an extremely long period of time. To extend something is to make it longer, either physically or in terms of time. Anything extended has been stretched out in this way. An extended rubber band will snap back or break. An extended hose can be used to put out a fire. If you live with your parents in your twenties, it's like an extended childhood.

Example Sentences

Equity markets, which have been hammered since the war broke out on February 28, extended the week's gains.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The cease-fire probably will need to be extended beyond two weeks because of the tough issues that need to get worked out, according to Evercore’s team.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Yet experiments show that these charges often remain separated for extended periods within the material.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The traffic tailbacks also extended onto the N7 westbound from the M50.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Then I pictured myself being very careful and looking out for extended body parts wherever I went.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

• continued
• drawn-out
• lengthy
• protracted