spread
verb (used with object)
to draw, stretch, or open out, especially over a flat surface, as something rolled or folded (often followed byout ).
was spreading
-
past progressiveof spread.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"So, anyone claiming that was spreading lies, misinformation, to generate clicks on social media, to whip up the community, wind people up and this is the upshot of it."
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
The fire was spreading in the membrane hidden beneath the metal roof.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
A CT scan confirmed that the cancer was spreading.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
We know now that by late February 2020, Covid-19 was spreading at a speed that quarantines could no longer control.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026
Thinking of Elizabeth caused a little crack in me, an ache that was spreading, getting longer and wider like a run in a fine-gauge knit.
From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry
