First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stretch
verb \ˈstrech\
: to make (something) wider or longer by pulling it
: to become longer or wider when pulled
: to put your arms, legs, etc., in positions that make the muscles long and tight
Full Definition of STRETCH
transitive verb
1
: to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position
2
: to reach out : extend <stretched out her arms>
3
: to extend in length <stretched his neck to see what was going on>
4
: to fell with or as if with a blow
5
: to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture
6
: to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position
7
: to pull taut <canvas stretched on a frame>
8
a : to enlarge or distend especially by force b : to extend or expand as if by physical force <stretch one's mind with a good book> c : strain <stretched his already thin patience>
9
: to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) <stretch a wire between two posts>
10
a : to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits <the rules can be stretched this once> b : to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function <stretching a dollar>
11
: to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running <stretch a single into a double>
intransitive verb
1
a : to become extended in length or breadth or both : spread <broad plains stretching to the sea> b : to extend over a continuous period <the dynasty stretches back several centuries>
2
: to become extended without breaking
3
a : to extend one's body or limbs <stretched before jogging> <wanted to stretch out on the sofa> b : to lie down at full length
— stretch·abil·i·ty \ˌstre-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— stretch·able \ˈstre-chə-bəl\ adjective
— stretchy \-chē\ adjective
— stretch a point
: to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession
— stretch one's legs
1
: to extend the legs
2
: to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting
See stretch defined for English-language learners
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Origin of STRETCH
Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan; akin to Old High German strecchan to stretch, Old English stræc firm, severe
Related to STRETCH
- Synonyms
- color, elaborate (on), embellish, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, embroider
2stretch
noun
: a continuous area or length of land or water
: a continuous period of time
: a period of time spent in prison
Full Definition of STRETCH
1
a : an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits <their conclusion seemed like a bit of a stretch> b : an extension of the scope or application of something <a stretch of language>
2
: the extent to which something may be stretched
3
a : the act of stretching : the state of being stretched <a good stretch for legs> b : the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base <pitching from the stretch>
4
a : an extent in length or area <an open stretch of road> b : a continuous period of time <can write for eight hours at a stretch>
5
: a walk to relieve fatigue
6
: a term of imprisonment <served a 10-year stretch>
7
a : either of the straight sides of a racecourse; especially : homestretch b : a final stage (as of a contest or season) <won some crucial games down the stretch>
8
: the capacity for being stretched : elasticity <a waistband with lots of stretch>
9
: a stretch limousine
See stretch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STRETCH
1541
3stretch
adjective
: made to stretch easily and then return to the original shape and size
Full Definition of STRETCH
2
: longer than the standard size <a stretch limousine>
See stretch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STRETCH
1954
Related to STRETCH
- Synonyms
- bouncy, flexible, resilient, rubberlike, rubbery, springy, elastic, stretchable, stretchy, supple, whippy
- Antonyms
- inelastic, inflexible, nonelastic, rigid, stiff
STRETCHABILITY Defined for Kids
1stretch
verb \ˈstrech\
stretchedstretch·ing
Definition of STRETCH for Kids
3
: to extend (as the body) in a flat position <I stretched out on the bed.>
4
: to extend the body or limbs <You should stretch before exercising.>
5
: to pull tight <Stretch the canvas over a frame.>
6
: to cause to reach or continue <A wire was stretched between two posts.>
7
: exaggerate <I think you're stretching the truth.>
8
: to become extended without breaking <Rubber stretches easily.>
9
: to extend over a continuous period <His fascination with dinosaurs stretches back to childhood.>
2stretch
noun
Definition of STRETCH for Kids
1
: the act of extending or drawing out beyond ordinary or normal limits <The story was a stretch of the imagination.>
2
: the ability to be pulled or drawn out in length or width or both <The fabric has a lot of stretch.>
3
: the act or an instance of stretching the body or one of its parts
4
: a continuous extent in length, area, or time <a short stretch of beach> <a long stretch of silence>
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