verb

reach

reech

verb

To stretch out an arm or hand toward something in order to touch or grasp it.

"She reached for the top shelf but still couldn't quite reach it."

"He reached across the table to shake hands."

To arrive at a place, level, or point after travelling or making an effort.

"They finally reached the summit just before sunset."

"Sales reached a record high last quarter."

To make contact with someone, especially to communicate with them.

"I've been trying to reach you all day."

noun

The distance or extent that something, or someone's arm, can extend.

"The book was just out of his reach."

"The company expanded its reach into new markets."

How to Use Reach

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo stretch toward something, to arrive somewhere, or to get in contact with someone — also used as a noun for how far something extends.

Common pairings

within reach reach an agreement reach out out of reach

Word Forms

reached past tense, raught past tense, rought past tense, retcht past tense, reach plural, reached plural, raught plural, rought plural, retcht plural, reaches plural, reaches singular, reach singular, reached singular, raught singular, rought singular, retcht singular, reachest singular, reachedst singular, raughtest singular, retchtest singular, reacheth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ for the top shelf but still couldn't quite reach it.

Etymology

From Old English rǣċan ("to reach, to stretch out"), a very old Germanic verb related to Dutch reiken and German reichen.

Rhymes for reach

each teach peach beach leach bleach breach preach impeach outreach

See all rhymes for reach →