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
She’s since expanded into other jewelry and accessories categories and launched lifestyle items like laptop cases, luggage tags and keychains.
—
Layla Ilchi, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
Since then, the company has expanded to more than 20 locations across California, including a wholesale site.
—Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
The role has expanded into areas like physical security and global technology infrastructure.
—Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, about 90 minutes from L.A., Hollywood power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have expanded their West Coast property portfolio with a vacation getaway in the mountain community of Lake Arrowhead.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expand
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Cite this Entry
“Expand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expand. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Kids 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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