expanse

noun

ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
1
2
: great extent of something spread out
an expanse of calm ocean

Examples of expanse in a Sentence

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse. the great explorers who crossed the vast expanses of the seven seas in small ships
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The highest per capita death toll occurred in Yancey County, a rural expanse in the rugged Black Mountains of North Carolina devastated by flash flooding and landslides. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 21 May 2025 Meanwhile the darker expanses of Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms) and the surrounding lunar maria (which is Latin for seas) will dominate the north west of the moon's tidally locked disk, according to NASA. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 19 May 2025 These minerals are found in oceans across the planet, but the focus of many mining companies is on an expanse of Pacific Ocean between Mexico and Hawaii called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which spans more than 3,000 miles and is around 12,000 to 18,000 feet deep. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 May 2025 That covers portions of every continent except Antarctica, along with huge expanses of ocean. Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expanse

Word History

Etymology

New Latin expansum, from Latin, neuter of expansus, past participle of expandere

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expanse was in 1637

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expanse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expanse. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

expanse

noun
ex·​panse ik-ˈspan(t)s How to pronounce expanse (audio)
: a wide space, area, or stretch
the vast expanse of the ocean

More from Merriam-Webster on expanse

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