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stretch

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To stretch is to get wider, longer or larger, or to cause something to get wider, longer or larger or to try to make scarce resources go further. (verb)

An example of stretch is what a sweater does when someone wears it who is too big for it.
An example of stretch is what you do to a sweater you wear that is too small for you.
An example of stretch is when you only have enough food for one and you share it with another.

To stretch is to last longer than expected or to cause something to last longer than expected. (verb)

An example of stretch is when a play drags on for four hours instead of two.

To stretch is to move the limbs of your body as far as you can. (verb)

An example of stretch is when you reach your arms as high as possible above your head to reach something on a high shelf.

A stretch is a long, unbroken period of time or distance. (noun)

An example of stretch is sixteen days without a day off.

See stretch in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to hold out or reach out; extend: to stretch out a helping hand
to cause (the body or limbs) to reach out to full length, as in yawning, relaxing, reclining, etc.
to pull or spread out to full extent or to greater size: to stretch sheets out to dry
to cause to reach or extend over a given space, distance, or time: to stretch pipelines across a continent
1. to cause to reach or extend farther or too far; force or strain
2. to strain in interpretation, application, scope, etc. to questionable or unreasonable limits: to stretch a rule, to stretch the truth
to make tense or tight with effort; strain (a muscle, etc.)
Slang to knock down, esp. so as to cause to lie at full length

intransitive verb

1. to spread or be spread out to full extent or beyond normal limits
2. to extend or continue over a given space, distance, direction, or time
1. to extend the body or limbs to full length, as in yawning or reaching for something
2. to lie down at full length: usually with out
to become stretched or be capable of being stretched to greater size, as any elastic substance
Jazz to perform a lengthy improvised solo: with out

noun

a stretching or being stretched
1. an unbroken period; continuous space (of time): over a stretch of ten days
2. Slang a term served in prison under a sentence
the extent to which something can be stretched
an unbroken length, tract, or space; continuous extent or distance: a long stretch of beach
1. any of the sections of a course or track for racing
2. homestretch (sense )
a course or direction
a stretch limousine, airliner, etc.
an action or effort that exceeds someone's normal limits or powers
☆ Baseball the act of bringing the hands together, as before the chest, and then lowering them and pausing before pitching the ball or attempting to pick off a base runner

adjective

made of elasticized fabric so as to stretch easily and fit closely: stretch pants
designating or of a vehicle, esp. a limousine, that has been customized by extending the passenger section to enlarge seating capacity

Related Forms:

stretchability noun
stretchable adjective

See stretch in American Heritage Dictionary 4

stretch

verb stretched, stretch·ing, stretch·es

verb, transitive

To lengthen, widen, or distend: stretched the sweater out of shape.
To cause to extend from one place to another or across a given space: stretched the banner between two poles.
To make taut; tighten: stretched the tarpaulin until it ripped.
To reach or put forth; extend: stretched out his hand.
a. To extend (oneself or one's limbs, for example) to full length: stretched her calves before running.
b. To extend (oneself) when lying down: she stretched herself out on the couch.
c. To put to torture on the rack.
To wrench or strain (a muscle, for example).
a. To extend or enlarge beyond the usual or proper limits: stretch the meaning of a word.
b. To subject to undue strain: to stretch one's patience.
a. To expand in order to fulfill a larger function: stretch a budget; stretch a paycheck.
b. To increase the quantity of by admixture or dilution: stretch a meal by thinning the stew.
To prolong: stretch out an argument.
Informal To fell by a blow: stretched his opponent in the first round.

verb, intransitive

To become lengthened, widened, or distended.
To extend or reach over a distance or area or in a given direction: “On both sides of us stretched the wet plain” (Ernest Hemingway).
To lie down at full length: stretched out on the bed.
To extend one's muscles or limbs, as after prolonged sitting or on awakening.
To extend over a given period of time: “This story stretches over a whole generation” (William Golding).

noun

The act of stretching or the state of being stretched.
The extent or scope to which something can be stretched; elasticity.
A continuous or unbroken length, area, or expanse: an empty stretch of highway.
A straight section of a racecourse or track, especially the section leading to the finish line.
a. A continuous period of time.
b. Slang A term of imprisonment: served a two-year stretch.
c. Informal The last stage of an event, period, or process.
Baseball A movement in which a pitcher, standing with the glove side facing home plate, raises both hands to the height of the head and then lowers them to the chest or waist for a short pause before pitching the ball. It is used as an alternative to a wind-up, especially when runners are on base.

adjective

Made of an elastic material that stretches easily: stretch pants.
Of, relating to, or being a vehicle, such as a limousine or passenger jet, having an extended seating area that provides extra space for more passengers, leg room, or amenities.

Origin: Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan.

Related Forms: