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.
The new findings, however, provide evidence that an emerging fungal disease was spreading through the area at precisely the same time.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
Two days later, satellite imagery shows the slick had doubled in size and was spreading north-west through the strait towards Qeshm.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
A record-smashing heat wave was spreading Tuesday from the Mountain West toward the eastern United States and Canada, placing more than 100 million people under heat alerts.
From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026
The fire was spreading in the membrane hidden beneath the metal roof.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
She tried to mop it with her sleeve but the stain was spreading.
From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee
