noun
Uncommon
expanse
ihk-SPANS
Expanse (noun) means a wide, open stretch of land, sea, or sky. Example: “They stared out over the vast expanse of the desert.”
noun
1
A wide, open stretch of land, sea, or sky.
"They stared out over the vast expanse of the desert."
How to use expanse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large open area that stretches out as far as you can see.
Common pairings
vast expanse
endless expanse
an expanse of water
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Word forms
- Plural
- expanses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They stared out over the vast _____ of the desert.
Etymology
From Latin expansum, "a spread-out thing," related to "expand."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for expanse
See all rhymes for expanse →Frequently asked questions
What does “expanse” mean?
The word “expanse” means a wide, open stretch of land, sea, or sky. In plain terms, a large open area that stretches out as far as you can see.
How do you pronounce “expanse”?
“Expanse” is pronounced ihk-SPANS (/ɪkˈspæns/ in IPA).
How do you use “expanse” in a sentence?
Here is “expanse” used in a sentence: “They stared out over the vast expanse of the desert.”
What part of speech is “expanse”?
“Expanse” is a noun.
Where does the word “expanse” come from?
The word “expanse” comes from Latin. From Latin expansum, "a spread-out thing," related to "expand.".
Is “expanse” a common word?
“Expanse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
