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extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion | \ ik-ˈsten(t)-shÉ™n How to pronounce extension (audio) \

Definition of extension

1a : the action of extending : state of being extended
b : an enlargement in scope or operation tools are extensions of human hands
2a : the total range over which something extends : compass
b : denotation sense 4
3a : the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
b : an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint — compare flexion sense 4a
4 : a property whereby something occupies space
5 : an increase in length of time specifically : an increase in time allowed under agreement or concession
6 : a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution by special arrangements (such as correspondence courses) to persons otherwise unable to take advantage of such resources
7a : a part constituting an addition
b : a section or line segment forming an additional length
c : an extra telephone connected to the principal line
d : a length of natural or synthetic hair that is worn attached to one's natural hair
e : a series of usually three or four characters following a dot at the end of the name of a computer file that specifies the file's format or purpose
8 : a mathematical set (such as a field or group) that includes a given and similar set as a subset
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about extension

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Examples of extension in a Sentence

extension of the patient's life He's asking for a contract extension. Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension. I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Proper attire for funerals shows respect for the dead and the living, and lack of it, by extension, shows disrespect. — Judith Martin, Washington Post, "Miss Manners: Be true to yourself, but avoid rudeness," 22 Aug. 2019 Proper attire for funerals shows respect for the dead and the living, and lack of it, by extension, shows disrespect. — Judith Martin, The Mercury News, "Miss Manners: So you’re not a ‘dress-up person’? Suck it up.," 22 Aug. 2019 Moreover, Howard County’s participation in escalating detention and deportation makes it, and by extension all of us, complicit with the concentration camps at the border and family separation closer to home. — baltimoresun.com, "Letters: Howard’s contract with ICE makes communities less safe; and more from readers," 20 Aug. 2019 His frescoes were intended to be critical of the first president, and by extension the country’s treatment of African-Americans and Native Americans. — Carol Pogash, New York Times, "San Francisco School Board Votes to Hide, but Not Destroy, Disputed Murals," 14 Aug. 2019 By extension, this means production credits are more likely to reduce carbon emissions from coal and natural gas plants. — Daniel Oberhaus, WIRED, "A Tax Credit Fueled the Solar Energy Boom. Now It's in Limbo," 14 Aug. 2019 The queen, and by extension the British royal family and establishment, is backing Andrew, long considered to be her favorite of her four children. — Maria Puente, USA TODAY, "Prince Andrew’s link to Jeffrey Epstein explained: What does his death mean for the royal?," 12 Aug. 2019 Men in European cultures, and North American by extension, have mostly worn their hair short since, and this is where the hair bow’s meaning starts to change, too. — Anna Purna Kambhampaty, Time, "From Marie Antoinette to JoJo Siwa, Hair Bows Have a Surprisingly Meaningful History," 8 Aug. 2019 Xi has devoted his seven years in power to strengthening the ruling Communist Party, and by extension the country. — Anna Fifield, BostonGlobe.com, "Paramount and paranoid: China’s Xi and the Communist Party face a crisis of confidence," 3 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of extension

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for extension

Middle English, from Late Latin extension-, extensio, from Latin extendere

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More Definitions for extension

extension

noun
How to pronounce extension (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of extension

: the act of making something longer or greater
: the act of straightening or stretching something (such as an arm or a leg)
: extra time allowed for doing something

See the full definition for extension in the English Language Learners Dictionary

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion | \ ik-ˈsten-shÉ™n How to pronounce extension (audio) \

Kids Definition of extension

1 : the act of making something longer or greater extension of the sail
2 : an increase in length or time
3 : a part forming an addition or enlargement

extension

noun
ex·​ten·​sion | \ ik-ˈsten-chÉ™n How to pronounce extension (audio) \

Medical Definition of extension

1 : the stretching of a fractured or dislocated limb so as to restore it to its natural position
2 : an unbending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that increases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint — c

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