splay

American  

[spley] / spleɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to spread out, expand, or extend.

2. to form with an oblique angle; make slanting; bevel.

3. to make with a splay or splays.

4. to disjoin; dislocate.

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verb (used without object)

1. to have an oblique or slanting direction.

2. to spread or flare.

noun

1. Architecture. a surface that makes an oblique angle with another, as where the opening through a wall for a window or door widens from the window or door proper toward the face of the wall.

adjective

1. spread out; wide and flat; turned outward.

2. clumsy or awkward.

3. oblique or awry.

splay British  

/ spleɪ /

adjective

1. spread out; broad and flat

2. turned outwards in an awkward manner

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verb

1. to spread out; turn out or expand

2. (tr) vet science to dislocate (a joint)

noun

1. a surface of a wall that forms an oblique angle to the main flat surfaces, esp at a doorway or window opening

2. enlargement

Other Word Forms

• unsplayed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of splay

1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display

Explanation

To splay is to spread out or widen. Peacocks splay their feathers when they want to show off. Basketball players splay their fingers around a basketball to get a better grip. The word splay is often seen as splayed. If you collapse on your bed with your arms and legs stretched out, you are splayed out on the bed. Fingers, toes, arms, and legs can all splay. Something that has a splayed shape is called a splay, like an architectural detail around a window or door. Splay comes from the verb display, originally "unfurl, unfold, or spread out."

Example Sentences

Splay out the work product as if it speaks for itself; cover the sausage instead of how it gets made.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2025

Splay faults exist at subduction zones bordering Ecuador, Cascadia, Chile, and Japan, suggesting they may contribute to tsunami hazards at those locations as well.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2024

Millie Splay meant to keep Harry Luttrell too.

From The Summons by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

Millie Splay was actually beginning to turn to her, when Dennis Brown came unconsciously to her rescue.

From The Summons by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

The three indefatigable race-goers found Lady Splay sitting with Martin Hillyard in the hall of Rackham Park.

From The Summons by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)

Related Words

• ample
• broad
• deep
• expanded
• extensive
• far-reaching
• full
• immense
• large
• loose
• spacious
• vast