adjective

spare

speh-uh

adjective

Extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed.

"He always carries a spare key in his wallet."

"She packed a spare pair of shoes just in case."

Lean or thin, especially of a person's build.

"The marathon runner had a spare, wiry frame."

verb

To refrain from harming, punishing, or destroying something or someone.

"The judge decided to spare the young offender a prison sentence."

To make something available, especially time or money, for someone else's use.

"Could you spare five minutes to look over my report?"

How to Use Spare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishKept in reserve, or lean/thin — as a verb, to show mercy or to give up something you have to offer.

Common pairings

spare time spare part spare no expense spare someone's feelings

Word Forms

sparer comparative, spared past tense, spares plural, spare plural, spared plural, Spares plural, spares singular, spare singular, spared singular, sparest singular, sparedst singular, spareth singular, sparest superlative

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He always carries a _____ key in his wallet.

Etymology

From Old English spær, meaning "sparing" or "scant," from a Germanic root related to frugality.

Rhymes for spare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share snare

See all rhymes for spare →