span
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: spans · spanning · spanned
Sense 1
The full width of an open hand from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger used as an informal unit of length.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Any of various traditional units of length approximating this distance, especially the English handspan of 9 inches forming ⅛ fathom and equivalent to 22.86 cm.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To extend across (a gap or space between two sides).
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To cover or extend over (an area or distance).
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “span” mean?
The full width of an open hand from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger used as an informal unit of length.
Is “span” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.