span meaning and definition

SPAN noun

Definition of span (noun)

1. the complete duration of something
   • "the job was finished in the span of an hour"
2. the distance or interval between two points
3. two items of the same kind
   • synonyms: brace, couple, couplet, distich, duad, duet, duo, dyad, pair, twain, twosome, yoke
4. a unit of length based on the width of the expanded human hand (usually taken as 9 inches)
5. a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
   • synonyms: bridge
6. the act of sitting or standing astride
   • synonyms: straddle

SPAN verb

Definition of span (verb)

1. to cover or extend over an area or time period
   • "Rivers traverse the valley floor", "The parking lot spans 3 acres"; "The novel spans three centuries"
   • synonyms: cross, sweep, traverse