stretch · verb /stretʃ/Full view
stretch (MAKE BIGGER)
B2 I or T to become longer or wider, or to pull something so that it becomes longer or wider
Dictionary examples:

Don't pull my sweater - you'll stretch it.

The top had stretched in the wash.

stretch (BODY)
B2 I or T to make your body or part of your body straighter and longer
Dictionary examples:

"I'm so tired, " she said, yawning and stretching.

It's a good idea to stretch before you take any serious exercise.

Stretch your arms above your head.

Learner example:

First of all cycling is a sport so you have the possibility to move your body, to stretch your joints and to strengthen your muscles. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

stretch away/into, etc.
C2 to cover a large area
Dictionary examples:

The fields stretched away into the distance.

A huge cloud of dense smoke stretched across the horizon.

The Andes stretch for 7250 km along the west coast of South America.

Learner example:

I remember playing in the fields that stretched out to the horizon and sailing and swimming in the streams and lakes surrounding the small village where my parents live. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

stretch · noun C /stretʃ/
stretch
C1 a continuous area of land or water
Dictionary examples:

This particular stretch of coast is especially popular with walkers.

Traffic is at a standstill along a five-mile stretch of the M11 just south of Cambridge.

Some very rare birds inhabit this stretch of the river.

Learner example:

There's a stretch of coastline in the south-east of Spain that one could still call "real Spain" not many years ago. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

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