range definition

1. the limits within which something can be effective
• examples: range of motion
• examples: he was beyond the reach of their fire
2. a large tract of grassy open land on which livestock can graze
• examples: they used to drive the cattle across the open range every spring
• examples: he dreamed of a home on the range
3. a series of hills or mountains
• examples: the valley was between two ranges of hills
• examples: the plains lay just beyond the mountain range
4. a place for shooting (firing or driving) projectiles of various kinds
• examples: the army maintains a missile range in the desert
• examples: any good golf club will have a range where you can practice
5. a variety of different things or activities
• examples: he answered a range of questions
• examples: he was impressed by the range and diversity of the collection
6. change or be different within limits
• examples: Estimates for the losses in the earthquake range as high as $2 billion
• examples: Interest rates run from 5 to 10 percent
• examples: The instruments ranged from tuba to cymbals
• examples: My students range from very bright to dull
7. have a range; be capable of projecting over a certain distance, as of a gun
• examples: This gun ranges over two miles
8. range or extend over; occupy a certain area
• examples: The plants straddle the entire state
9. lay out orderly or logically in a line or as if in a line
• examples: lay out the clothes
• examples: lay out the arguments
10. let eat
• examples: range the animals in the prairie