stretch

The word “stretch” means to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter. In plain terms, to pull something longer, extend your muscles, or make something (money, time, the truth) go further than normal.

“Stretch” is pronounced strehch (/stɹɛt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “stretch” used in a sentence: “She stretched the elastic band until it snapped.”

Depending on how it is used, “stretch” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “stretch” comes from Old English. From Old English streċċan, meaning to extend or spread out, from a Proto-Germanic root related to being taut or rigid — the same root gives us "stark.".

“Stretch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Stretch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter.

To stretch something is to pull it so it becomes longer, wider, or tighter, usually implying tension or elasticity. "Extend" is broader and more neutral, meaning simply to make something longer or reach further, without the sense of pulling under strain.

Use "stretch" when the emphasis is on straining or extending your body or a material toward its limit, and "reach" when the focus is on arriving at or touching a target. You stretch your arm in order to reach a high shelf.

Common expressions include "stretch your legs" (to walk after sitting), "stretch the truth" (to exaggerate), "at a stretch" (with difficulty, or continuously), and "the home stretch" (the final part of an effort).

"Stretch" is a regular verb. Its past tense and past participle are both "stretched," simply adding "-ed," as in "she stretched before the race."