(reaches, reaching, reached)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When someone or something reaches a place, they arrive there.
He did not stop until he reached the door...
He reached Cambridge shortly before three o'clock.
VERB: V n, V n
2.
If someone or something has reached a certain stage, level, or amount, they are at that stage, level, or amount.
The process of political change in South Africa has reached the stage where it is irreversible...
We're told the figure could reach 100,000 next year.
VERB: V n, V n
3.
If you reach somewhere, you move your arm and hand to take or touch something.
Judy reached into her handbag and handed me a small printed leaflet...
He reached up for an overhanging branch.
VERB: V prep/adv, V prep/adv
4.
If you can reach something, you are able to touch it by stretching out your arm or leg.
Can you reach your toes with your fingertips?
VERB: V n
5.
If you try to reach someone, you try to contact them, usually by telephone.
Has the doctor told you how to reach him or her in emergencies?...
= contact
VERB: V n
6.
If something reaches a place, point, or level, it extends as far as that place, point, or level.
...a nightshirt which reached to his knees...
The water level in Lake Taihu has reached record levels...
VERB: V to n, V n
7.
When people reach an agreement or a decision, they succeed in achieving it.
A meeting of agriculture ministers in Luxembourg today has so far failed to reach agreement over farm subsidies...
They are meeting in Lusaka in an attempt to reach a compromise.
VERB: V n, V n
8.
Someone's or something's reach is the distance or limit to which they can stretch, extend, or travel.
Isabelle placed a wine cup on the table within his reach.
N-UNCOUNT: oft poss N
9.
If a place or thing is within reach, it is possible to have it or get to it. If it is out of reach, it is not possible to have it or get to it.
It is located within reach of many important Norman towns, including Bayeux...
The price is ten times what it normally is and totally beyond the reach of ordinary people.
N-UNCOUNT