1an act of reaching out with one’s arm:she made a reach for him
[in singular] the distance to which someone, especially a boxer, can stretch out their hand:a giant, over six feet seven with a reach of over 81 inches
2the extent or range of something’s application, effect, or influence:he told a story to illustrate the reach of his fame
the number of people who watch or listen to a particular broadcast or channel during a specified period:the programme’s daily reach is 400,000
3 (often reaches) a continuous extent of water, especially a stretch of river between two bends, or the part of a canal between locks:the upper reaches of the Nile
4 Sailing a distance traversed in reaching:he could sail a clear reach for Key Canaka
ზმნა
Universal
1 [no object, with adverbial of direction] stretch out an arm in a specified direction in order to touch or grasp something:he reached over and turned off his bedside light
(reach for) extend one’s hand or arm in an attempt to touch or grasp (something):Leith reached for the nearest folder
[with object] (reach something out) stretch out one’s hand or arm:he reached out a hand and touched her hair
[with object] (reach something down) stretch upwards to pick something up and bring it to a lower level:she reached down a plate from the cupboard
[with two objects] hand (something) to (someone):reach me those glasses
[no object] be able to touch something with an outstretched arm or leg:I had to stand on tiptoe and even then I could hardly reach
2 [with object] arrive at; get as far as:‘Goodbye,’ she said as they reached the doorthe show is due to reach our screens early next year
[no object]West Indian arrive:just round that corner, by them mango trees, and we reach
3 [with object] attain or extend to (a specified point, level, or condition):unemployment reached a peak in 1933 [no object]:denim shorts that reach to his knees
succeed in achieving:the conference reached agreement on the draft treaty
succeed in influencing or having an effect on:he seeks opportunities to reach viewers without journalistic interference
4 [with object] make contact with (someone) by telephone or other means:I’ve been trying to reach you all morning
(of a broadcast or other communication) be received by:television reached those parts of the electorate that other news sources could not
5 [no object] Sailing sail with the wind blowing from the side of the ship:‘Brighteyes’ was followed round the Goldstone by ‘Patriot’, while ‘Patriot’ white-sail reached
out of (or beyond) reach
outside the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand.
beyond the capacity of someone to attain something:she thought university was out of her reach
within (or in) reach
inside the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand.
inside a distance that can be travelled:a 1930s semi within easy reach of the town centre
within the capacity of someone to attain something:the arrangement is well within the reach of the average dancer
