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.
This hindered cooling as the cache sat between the hot cores and the processor’s heat spreader. — Antony Leather, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 To apply, pile compost into the spreader hopper and push the spreader across your lawn in a north-to-south direction. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025 The public works department has 48 dump trucks with snowplows and salt spreaders, nine pickup trucks with plows, six loaders and one grader. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025 There are no tractors here, no fertilizer spreaders or irrigation systems. — Heide Brandes, thehustle.co, 24 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

Phrases Containing spreader

Rhymes for spreader

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Browse Nearby Words

spread end
spreader
spreader car
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Cite this Entry

“Spreader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spreader. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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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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