stretch
strehch
Stretch (verb) means to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter. Example: “She stretched the elastic band until it snapped.”
verb
1
To pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter.
"She stretched the elastic band until it snapped."
"Wool will stretch if you hang the wet jumper up by its shoulders."
"He stretched the tape across the doorway to measure the gap."
2
To extend one's own body or limbs, often to loosen muscles.
"He stretched before going for his morning run."
"The cat woke up, yawned and stretched her legs on the sofa."
"Stretch your arms above your head before you start the exercise."
3
To make a limited resource or piece of information go further than it comfortably should.
"They had to stretch their budget to cover the extra costs."
"That claim really stretches the truth."
"We stretched a single chicken to feed six hungry guests."
noun
1
A continuous extent of time or distance.
"It was a long, empty stretch of highway."
"She worked a long stretch without a break and then fell asleep."
"The train passes a pretty stretch of coastline just before the town."
How to use stretch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pull something longer, extend your muscles, or make something (money, time, the truth) go further than normal.
Common pairings
stretch a muscle
a stretch of road
stretch the truth
home stretch
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- stretches
- Past tense
- stretched, straught, straight
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the elastic band until it snapped.
Etymology
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."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stretch
See all rhymes for stretch →Frequently asked questions
What does “stretch” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “stretch”?
“Stretch” is pronounced strehch (/stɹɛt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stretch” in a sentence?
Here is “stretch” used in a sentence: “She stretched the elastic band until it snapped.”
What part of speech is “stretch”?
Depending on how it is used, “stretch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “stretch” come from?
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.".
Is “stretch” a common word?
“Stretch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stretch” have?
“Stretch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull or extend something so it becomes longer or tighter.
What is the difference between "stretch" and "extend"?
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.
When should you use "stretch" instead of "reach"?
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.
What are common phrases using "stretch"?
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).
Is "stretch" a regular or irregular verb?
"Stretch" is a regular verb. Its past tense and past participle are both "stretched," simply adding "-ed," as in "she stretched before the race."
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