to enlarge the area, scope, or application of: [~ + object] The military powers extended their authority.[no object] Their authority extended into foreign countries. to be or become extended; stretch out in length, duration, or in various or all directions To extend something is to make it longer, either physically or in terms of time. Anything extended has been stretched out in this way. An extended rubber band will snap back or break. An extended hose can be used to put out a fire. If you live with your parents in your twenties, it's like an extended childhood. Stretched or pulled out: an extended telescope. 2. Continued for a long period of time; protracted: had an extended vacation in the Alps. 3. Enlarged or broad in meaning, scope, or influence: an extended sense of the word honest. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. They're going on an extended holiday to Australia. There was an extended news bulletin because of the plane crash. Their influence extends well beyond their immediate circle of friends. The organization soon extended [= reached] across the country. His popularity extends from coast to coast. Something that is extended has been fully stretched out or elongated. An extended period of time is an extremely long period of time. Learn what extended means with clear definitions, pronunciation, synonyms, and real-world examples. Simple explanations to help you use extended correctly. The meaning of EXTENDED is drawn out in length especially of time. How to use extended in a sentence. Extended definition: Stretched or pulled out.