26984 words

spare

20 definitions • 28 examples
1
If something is spare, it is available to use because it is extra:

Examples:

a spare key/tyre
spare sheets and blankets
Do you have a spare pen?
We have a spare room if you want to stay overnight with us.
Could I have a word with you when you have a spare moment/minute?
UK informal "Do you want this cake?" "Yes, if it's going spare (= if no one else wants it)."
2
time when you are not working:

Examples:

I like to paint in my spare time.
3
tall and thin:

Examples:

He had the spare build of a runner.
4
plain and not decorated:

Examples:

The interior is spare, almost minimalist.
5
to get very upset or angry:

Examples:

She goes spare if I'm so much as five minutes late.
6
to not hurt or destroy something or someone:

Examples:

They asked him to spare the women and children.
7
to prevent someone from having to experience something unpleasant:

Examples:

Luckily, I was spared the embarrassment of having to sing in front of everyone.
It was a nasty accident - but I'll spare you (= I won't tell you) the gruesome details.
8
to use a lot of effort, expense, etc. to do something:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] We will spare no effort to find out who did this.
9
to try as hard as you can to achieve something:

Examples:

She never spared herself in the pursuit of excellence.
10
to give time, money, or space to someone, especially when it is difficult for you:

Examples:

[ + two objects ] Could you spare me £20?
I'd love to come, but I can't spare the time.
11
to think about someone who is in a difficult or unpleasant situation:

Examples:

Spare a thought for me tomorrow, when you're lying on a beach, because I'll still be here in the office!
12
left over or more than you need:

Examples:

If you have any woolyarn to spare when you've finished the sweater, can you make me some gloves?
I caught the plane with only two minutes to spare.
There's no time/We have no time to spare if we want to get the article written by tomorrow.
13
an extra thing that is not being used and can be used instead of a part that is broken, lost, etc.
14
a piece that can be used to replace another similar piece in a car or other device
15
to decide not to hurt or destroy something or someone:

Examples:

By reducing workers’ hours, the company spared some people's jobs.
16
to avoid something:

Examples:

A quiet chat about this would spare everyone embarrassment.
17
to give or use something because you have enough available:

Examples:

Can you spare a dollar?
I’d love to come, but I’m afraid I can’t spare the time.
18
not being used, or more than what is usually needed:

Examples:

I keep my spare change in a jar.
19
(of people) thin with no extra fat on the body:

Examples:

He had the spare build of a runner.
20
an extra thing that is not being used and can be used instead of a part that is broken, lost, etc.:

Examples:

In case I lose my key, I keep a spare in the garage.

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