The Open Dictionary

reach

noun

UK/riːtʃ/
US/riːtʃ/

Definitions of reach noun

distance

  1. B2Uncountable

    The distance within which something can be touched by extending one's arm.

    • I prefer to keep my notebook and pencils within easy reach.

    • The highest shelf is either within or beyond his reach.

    • Ensure all hazardous materials are kept out of children's reach.

  2. B2Uncountable

    The distance that can be easily traveled or accessed.

    • Our home is within close reach of the train station.

    • The restaurant is within easy reach by walking.

  3. Singular

    The full length of an outstretched arm.

    • With your long reach, could you please retrieve the box from the top shelf for me?

  4. CountableUsually singular

    An instance of extending one's arm to grasp or touch something.

    • He made a sudden reach for his weapon.

    • She made a reach to get something that had fallen under the table.

limit

  1. C2UncountableSingular

    The extent of someone's ability or influence.

    • Such an extravagant trip is entirely beyond my financial reach.

    • After years of saving, the car was finally within her reach.

    • This goal seems to be beyond the reach of our team.

Phrases of reach noun

  • reaches

    a section of a river or a portion of a land area

    • The upstream reaches of the river are stunning, featuring a rich ecosystem.

verb

UK/riːtʃ/
US/riːtʃ/

Definitions of reach verb

arrive

  1. B1Transitive

    To arrive at a destination, often after a long journey or considerable effort.

    • We won't reach Miami until around five or six o'clock.

    • After a five-week sail, they finally reached the shore.

    • The news of his accident had only just reached us.

level

  1. B2Transitive

    To attain a particular level or standard, especially a high one.

    • The temperature is expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius today.

    • He has just reached the venerable age of 95.

    • I've reached the point where I can no longer tolerate her criticisms.

stretch

  1. B2TransitiveIntransitive

    To extend an arm to grasp or touch something.

    • She has grown so tall that she can now reach the doorknob.

    • As he reached for the phone, he knocked over a glass.

    • The child reached down/out/over to pick up the kitten.

  2. TransitiveIntransitive

    For an object to extend to or touch a specific point, often at its top or bottom.

    • The ladder doesn't quite reach the top of the wall.

    • She wore a dress that reached down to her ankles.

    • The branches of the tree reach into our yard.

communicate

  1. B2Transitive

    To make contact or communicate with someone, especially by phone or email.

    • I've been trying to reach you on the phone all day long.

    • I tried to reach the customer via email.

  2. Transitive

    To successfully understand and connect with someone.

    • He's a peculiar child, and his teachers find it difficult to reach him.

    • Despite numerous efforts, we couldn't reach out to him.

Phrases of reach verb

  • reach a decision, agreement, conclusion, etc.

    to arrive at or achieve a decision, agreement, conclusion, or similar outcome after a period of consideration or discussion.

    • After hours of debate, the committee finally reached an agreement.

Idioms

  • reach for the stars

    To aspire to achieve something very difficult or seemingly impossible; to aim for extremely high goals.

    • She has always had grand dreams and constantly works towards them; she's truly someone who dares to reach for the stars.

  • a reach of the imagination

    The act of attempting to imagine something that is difficult to conceive or believe.

    • It takes a reach of the imagination to believe he can complete this project.

Phrasal Verbs of reach

  • reach out (to someone)

    to attempt to establish communication with an individual or a group, typically with the intention of aiding or engaging them

    • She decided to reach out to an old friend in hopes of reconnecting.