expanded; expanding; expands
1
: to open up : unfold
2
: to increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of : enlarge
3
a
: to express at length or in greater detail
b
: to write out in full
expand all abbreviations
c
: to subject to mathematical expansion
expand a function in a power series
1
: to open out : spread
2
: to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope
3
: to speak or write fully or in detail
expanded on the theme
4
: to feel generous or optimistic
Examples of expand in a Sentence
The liquid expands and contracts with changes in temperature.
His business has expanded to serve the entire state.
The coffee shop may expand into a full restaurant.
He has expanded his business to serve the entire state.
There are plans to expand the airport.
The police have decided to expand their investigation.
She plans to expand the lecture series into a book.
Expand the abbreviation “deg.” to “degree.”
Recent Examples on the Web
In this slice-of-life portrait, Chen shows how childhood experiences can shape someone, illustrating how a childhood passion might expand their horizons without necessarily becoming a lifelong vocation.
—
Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
The potential is immense: Businesses can expand into new markets without facing financial roadblocks, while individuals can access their money without bureaucratic delays.
—Marc Sacal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The Chiefs have already expanded in the TV space with last year’s Hallmark Channel film Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story; and with the online claymation short A Kingdom Christmas Story: Hail Merry.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
Under his stewardship, Le Bon Marché underwent a significant renovation, expanding its floor area by 43,000 square feet.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expand
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Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 29 Mar. 2025
The potential is immense: Businesses can expand into new markets without facing financial roadblocks, while individuals can access their money without bureaucratic delays.
—Marc Sacal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
The Chiefs have already expanded in the TV space with last year’s Hallmark Channel film Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story; and with the online claymation short A Kingdom Christmas Story: Hail Merry.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
Under his stewardship, Le Bon Marché underwent a significant renovation, expanding its floor area by 43,000 square feet.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expand
Cite this Entry
“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expand
verb
ex·pand
ik-ˈspand 
1
: to open wide : unfold
a bird with wings expanded
2
: to increase in size, number, or amount
substances expand when heated
the expanding universe
their work expanded
3
: to work out in greater detail
expand an argument
4
: to perform the indicated mathematical operations of : write out in full
expand both sides of an equation
expander
noun
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