3 entries found for spare.
To select an entry, click on it. Main Entry: 1spare
Pronunciation:
spa(
)r, spe()rFunction: verb
Inflected Form(s): spared; spar·ing
Etymology: Old English sparian "to refrain from harming"
1 : to keep from being punished or harmed : show mercy <spared the prisoners>
2 : to free of the need to do something <spare yourself the trouble>
3 : to hold off from doing or spending <spare no cost>
4 : to use or give out in small amounts <more pancakes, please, and don't spare the syrup>
5 a : to give up as not really needed <can you spare me a few minutes> <couldn't spare a dime> b : to have left over <got there with time to spare>
Pronunciation Symbols