adjective B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

spare

speh-uh

Spare (adjective) means Extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed. Example: “He always carries a spare key in his wallet.”

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.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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extra surplus reserve additional lean gaunt

Related words

other else rest hold foreign additional stock extra

Rhymes for spare

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

See all rhymes for spare →

Frequently asked questions

What does “spare” mean?

The word “spare” means extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed. In plain terms, kept in reserve, or lean/thin — as a verb, to show mercy or to give up something you have to offer.

How do you pronounce “spare”?

“Spare” is pronounced speh-uh (/spɛɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “spare” in a sentence?

Here is “spare” used in a sentence: “He always carries a spare key in his wallet.”

What part of speech is “spare”?

Depending on how it is used, “spare” can be an adjective and a verb.

Where does the word “spare” come from?

The word “spare” comes from Old English. From Old English spær, meaning "sparing" or "scant," from a Germanic root related to frugality.

Is “spare” a common word?

“Spare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “spare” have?

“Spare” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed.

What is the difference between spare and extra?

"Spare" means kept in reserve in case it is needed, like a spare tyre or a spare key. "Extra" means more than what is needed or usual. Something spare is deliberately set aside for future use, while extra simply means additional.

What is the difference between spare and surplus?

"Spare" means kept back in reserve for possible future use. "Surplus" means an amount left over beyond what is required, often in larger quantities. A spare part is held ready, whereas surplus stock is simply excess.

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