spread
verbTo open out something flat so it covers a bigger area.
verbTo stretch out arms, legs or other parts in different directions.
verbTo scatter or distribute things across a space.
verbTo become more common or present in more places.
verbTo make something widely known or help it reach more people.
nounA soft food like butter or jam that you put on bread.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SPR Blend
SPR blends three consonants together: /s/, /p/, and /r/, like in 'spring', 'spray', and 'spread'.
SPR is a three-letter onset blend. All three sounds are heard: the /s/ hiss, the /p/ pop, and the /r/ glide — say them quickly together.
Tip
SPR springs — /spr/ like flowers in spring!
Examples
Phonics Rule: EA Vowel Team (Short E)
Sometimes EA makes the short E sound, like in 'bread' and 'head'.
In some common words, 'ea' makes the short E sound /ɛ/ instead of the expected long E. These words need to be memorized since there's no reliable rule to predict when EA says short E.
Tip
Bread, head, dead — EA says /ɛ/ instead!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter D
The letter D makes the /d/ sound, like in 'dog', 'day', and 'dig'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.
D is a voiced alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge just behind the upper front teeth, then releases with voice. It reliably makes the /d/ sound in almost all positions.
Tip
D is for dog — and dog starts with /d/!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.