1. a tool or device used to spread something over a surface
2. a person who spreads or distributes something, especially information or disease
3. a horizontal bar or beam that keeps two things apart or maintains tension
Usage: nautical; construction

Examples

• She used a butter spreader to apply jam on her toast.
• The lawn spreader helped distribute fertilizer evenly across the yard.
• Health officials identified the patient as a super spreader of the virus.
• The gossip spreader shared rumors throughout the office.
• The boat’s rigging included several spreaders to support the mast.
• He adjusted the spreader bars on the construction frame.
• The cheese spreader made it easy to prepare appetizers for the party.