spreadspreadspreadsspreadingverb (spreads, spreading, spread, has spread)1to open something so that you can see all of it: The bird spread its wings and flew away.Spread out the map on the table.2to put a soft substance all over something: I spread butter on the bread.3to reach more people or places; to make something do this: Fire quickly spread to other parts of the building. Rats spread disease.▶ spreadnoun (no plural): Doctors are trying to stop the spread of the disease.