What does bedspread mean?
A bedspread is a large piece of fabric laid over the bed, on top of the sheets and blankets, chiefly to make the bed look tidy and attractive while also protecting the layers beneath. Unlike a duvet or comforter, which are padded for warmth, a bedspread is usually relatively thin and lightweight, and is often chosen to match or complement a bedroom's decor. Common styles include quilted, chenille, crocheted, and embroidered spreads, and many are sized generously so they drape down over the sides of the mattress, sometimes nearly to the floor. The word is a straightforward compound of 'bed' and 'spread', reflecting exactly what the object does. In everyday usage, especially when making up a guest room or discussing home furnishings, 'bedspread' is the standard, neutral term in both British and American English, sitting alongside near-synonyms such as coverlet and counterpane.
nounA decorative covering, typically larger than the bed it covers, that is placed over the sheets and blankets of a bed to protect them and add to the room's appearance.
- A decorative top covering for a bed, usually reaching to or near the floor on three sides, placed over sheets and blankets.
"She smoothed the quilted bedspread over the mattress and plumped the pillows."
"The hotel room featured a crisp white bedspread folded neatly at the foot of the bed."
"Grandmother's hand-crocheted bedspread had been passed down through three generations."
Standard regular plural; used when referring to multiple bedspreads, e.g. in retail or inventory contexts.
"The store stocks bedspreads in every color imaginable."
The word 'bedspread' literally just means something spread over a bed — English named this object exactly as plainly as possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bedspread
The word bedspread is a transparent English compound formed from 'bed' and 'spread', the latter deriving from Old English 'sprǣdan', meaning to stretch out or extend. The compound arose naturally to describe cloth spread over a bed, with comparable uses of 'spread' as a noun appearing by the early modern period. Because both elements are native Germanic words, bedspread has no Latin or Greek cognates, though it relates etymologically to other 'spread' compounds such as 'wingspan' and 'overspread'.
How bedspread is actually used
Bedspread is a neutral, everyday term common in both British and American English. It typically refers to a thin, flat, ornamental top layer of bedding rather than an insulating one, distinguishing it from comforters or duvets.
Easily confused with bedspread
A blanket is a warm woven layer used for warmth, while a bedspread is primarily decorative and lies on top of other bedding.
A comforter is a thick, padded, insulated cover for warmth; a bedspread is generally thinner and valued for its appearance.