spreader

noun

spread·​er ˈspre-dər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: such as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
c
: a device (such as a bar) holding two linear elements (such as lines, guys, rails) apart and usually taut

Examples of spreader in a Sentence

Mosquito are spreaders of disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overlap the Passes When spreading fertilizer with a rotary spreader, overlap your passes by about 50%. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 What are authorities doing about the emerging risk of free-roaming cats as a bird flu spreader? Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 For even coverage, apply half the seed making passes with the spreader in one direction, then apply the second half of the seed in the opposite direction. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2025 When asked who the biggest spreader of misinformation on X is, Grok's response is Musk. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spreader

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spreader was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

spreader

noun
spread·​er ˈspred-ər How to pronounce spreader (audio)
: one that spreads: as
a
: an implement for scattering material
b
: a small knife used especially for spreading butter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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