Span
/spæn/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo extend from side to side of something; to cross or reach over.
/spæn/
To extend or reach across something.
The enormous archway spans the entrance to the cathedral.
💡 Simply: Think of a bridge stretching all the way across a river. That's what 'span' means - to cover a distance or area. Like, 'The artist's work spans decades'— it covers a long time!
👶 For kids: To reach from one side to the other, like a bridge over a river.
More Examples
The project will span two years.
His influence spans many areas of society.
How It's Used
"The bridge spans the river."
"The mountain range spans the entire country."
To include or cover a particular period of time, amount, or content.
/spæn/
To include or encompass a range of time or content.
The exhibition spans the entire history of art.
💡 Simply: If something 'spans' a period, it means it covers that entire time. For example, 'The book's story spans the entire summer' means the story happens during the whole summer.
👶 For kids: To cover a certain amount of time.
More Examples
The curriculum spans the whole academic year.
His reign spanned a tumultuous period of history.
How It's Used
"Her career spanned three decades."
"The report spans the last five years."
The distance or extent between two supports.
/spæn/
The extent of something from side to side.
The bridge has a long span.
💡 Simply: Imagine measuring the distance between two points, like the distance across a bridge. That distance is called the 'span'! It's like, 'The span of my arms is about five feet.'
👶 For kids: How long something is from one side to the other.
More Examples
The span of the table was too wide for the cloth.
The wingspan of the eagle was impressive.
How It's Used
"The span of the bridge is 50 meters."
"The span of the arch was impressive."
A period of time during which something exists or happens.
/spæn/
A period of time.
The life span of a mayfly is only a day.
💡 Simply: When we talk about a 'time span,' we're talking about how long something lasts. Like, 'The lifespan of a butterfly is a short time span!'
👶 For kids: How long something lasts.
More Examples
The project took place over a relatively short time span.
The time span allowed for the research was insufficient.
How It's Used
"The span of the Roman Empire."
"The time span of the project was underestimated."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in the span of
During the course of a specified period.
"He changed his mind in the span of an hour."
wingspan
The distance from tip to tip of an animal's wings
"The bird had a wingspan of two meters."
span of control
The number of subordinates a manager or supervisor can handle effectively.
"The company is considering the span of control to improve efficiency."
From Old English *spannan* ('to join, fasten, stretch'), related to German *spannen* and Dutch *spannen*. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *spannaną.
The word 'span' has been used for centuries, originally referring to the act of joining or fastening.
Memory tip
Imagine a bridge spanning a river - it reaches across.
Word Origin
"to join, fasten, stretch"