stretching
STREHT-shihng
Stretching (noun) means Exercise that gently extends a muscle to its full length to improve flexibility. Example: “Regular stretching keeps my back loose when I sit at a desk all day.”
noun
1
Exercise that gently extends a muscle to its full length to improve flexibility.
"Regular stretching keeps my back loose when I sit at a desk all day."
"The runners did some gentle stretching at the side of the track before the race."
"Ten minutes of stretching before bed really helps with soreness."
How to use stretching
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExercises that lengthen muscles to improve flexibility, or more generally the act of extending something.
Common pairings
stretching exercises
warm-up stretching
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Word forms
- Plural
- stretchings
- Comparative
- more stretching
- Superlative
- most stretching
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Regular _____ keeps my back loose when I sit at a desk all day.
Etymology
From "stretch" plus the "-ing" suffix.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for stretching
See all rhymes for stretching →Frequently asked questions
What does “stretching” mean?
The word “stretching” means exercise that gently extends a muscle to its full length to improve flexibility. In plain terms, exercises that lengthen muscles to improve flexibility, or more generally the act of extending something.
How do you pronounce “stretching”?
“Stretching” is pronounced STREHT-shihng (/ˈstɹɛt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stretching” in a sentence?
Here is “stretching” used in a sentence: “Ten minutes of stretching before bed really helps with soreness.”
What part of speech is “stretching”?
“Stretching” is a noun.
Is “stretching” a common word?
“Stretching” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between stretching and warming up?
Stretching specifically involves gently extending a muscle to its full length to improve flexibility, while warming up is a broader process that raises heart rate and body temperature, often through light cardio, before exercise. Many routines combine both, doing a light warm-up before deeper stretching.
Should you stretch before or after exercise?
Dynamic stretching, which involves controlled movement, is generally recommended before exercise to prepare muscles, while static stretching, where a position is held still, is often better suited to after exercise when muscles are already warm. This helps improve flexibility without risking injury to cold muscles.
What is the difference between static and dynamic stretching?
Static stretching involves holding a single position to extend a muscle over time, while dynamic stretching uses controlled, repetitive movements to gradually increase range of motion. Both aim to improve flexibility but are typically used at different points in a workout.
