adjective

spare

spare, extra, unoccupied

I have a spare tire in my car.

I have a spare tyre in my car.

Do you have any spare time this weekend?

Do you have any spare time this weekend?

We have a spare room for guests.

We have a spare room for guests.

((spare)) + noun an extra (sth.) I need a spare key.

Synonyms: extra, additional, reserve; Antonyms: necessary, essential

From Old English 'spær' meaning 'frugal, scanty'. Related to German 'sparen' (to save).

Think of a 'spare tyre' – it's an extra one you keep just in case. The word can also be a verb (to spare time) or a noun (a spare).

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