Meaning & Definition of word "Span"

Span

/spæn/

noun:

  • 1. The distance or interval between two points.
    • Example: The bridge has a span of 100 meters.
  • 2. An extent of time or a range of events.
    • Example: The project was completed over a span of five years.
  • 3. The space between two supports of a structure such as a bridge.
    • Example: The span of the arch bridge can accommodate tall vehicles.

verb:

  • 1. To extend across a certain distance or area.
    • Example: The river spans the width of the valley.
  • 2. To cover or reach across a range of time or number.
    • Example: Her career spans three decades in the music industry.
  • 3. To stretch from one point to another.
    • Example: The child's arms span the whole width of the sofa.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old English 'span', of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

span the globe:

To cover or include a vast area of the world.

span of control:

The number of subordinates that a manager or supervisor can effectively control.

span a number of years:

To encompass a duration of several years.

Related Words

spanning:

Extending across or over something.

suspend:

To temporarily stop something from continuing.

spectrum:

A range of different but related things.

Slang Meanings of span

Meaning: To have a wide range of knowledge or experience.

Example Sentence: She spans a lot of fields in her career—from engineering to art.

Meaning: To involve or include various elements or aspects.

Example Sentence: The project spans several departments in the company.