B2 [ T usually + adv/prep ] to cause something to reach, often as far as possible, in a particular direction:

B2 [ I ] to make your body or your arms and legs straight so that they are as long as possible, in order to exercise the joints (= place where two bones are connected) after you have been in the same place or position for a long time:

C2 [ I usually + adv/prep ] to spread over a large area or distance:

[ T ] to go as far as or past the usual limit of something:

B2 [ I or T ] to (cause a material to) become longer or wider than usual as a result of pulling at the edges:

B2 [ I ] If a material stretches, it can become longer or wider when pulled and then return to its original size:

[ I usually + adv/prep ] to spread over a long period of time:

[ T ] also stretch out to make a process or task continue for a longer period of time than was originally planned:

[ T ] If jobs or tasks stretch you, they make you learn new things that use your skill and experience more than before:

C1 [ C usually singular ] a continuous area of land or water:

[ C usually singular ] a stage in a race, or a part of a racetrack:

[ C ] an act of stretching:

[ C usually singular ] the fact that something has gone past its usual limits:

[ U ] the degree to which a material can be made longer or wider by pulling:

[ C usually singular ] a continuous period of time:

[ C usually singular ] informal a period of time that a criminal spends in prison:

[ C usually singular ] a job, task , or role that is difficult for someone because it is very different from what they usually do: