1 [count] : a group or collection of different things or people that are usually similar in some way — usually singular — usually + of ▪ We'll be covering a range of topics in this class. ▪ The rugs are available in a range of colors. ▪ The new computer system should solve a whole range of problems. 2 [count] : a series of numbers that includes the highest and lowest possible amounts — usually singular ▪ What's the salary range for the job? [=what are the highest and lowest salaries that people are paid for the job?] ▪ The car is out of our price range. [=it is too expensive] ▪ Bicycles come in every price range. ▪ The game is designed for children in the 7 to 13 age range. ▪ His blood pressure is in the normal range. ▪ Tickets cost in the $200 range. [=tickets cost approximately $200] 3 [count] : the total amount of ability, knowledge, experience, etc., that a person has — usually singular ▪ an actor with an impressive range [=an impressive ability to act many roles] ▪ The technical vocabulary is a little outside my range (of expertise). 4 [count] : all of the notes that a particular person can sing or that a particular musical instrument can make — usually singular ▪ The song is out of my vocal range. ▪ The singer's range has gotten broader over the years. 5 a : a specified distance [noncount] ▪ The photograph was taken at close/short range. [=taken from a close distance] ▪ You can see the whole playing field at long range. [=from far away] [count] ▪ Both photographs were shot at close ranges.
b : the distance over which someone or something can see, hear, or reach someone or something else [noncount] ▪ We were within the siren's range. = We were within range of the siren. [=we could hear the siren] ▪ I can't get the radio station west of the mountains because I'm out of range there. ▪ She told the children not to wander out of range of her voice/vision. ▪ The troops were within range of the enemy's artillery. [count] ▪ a missile with a 400-mile range = a missile with a range of 400 miles ▪ The antenna gives the radio a range of about 20 miles.
c [count] : the distance that an airplane or other vehicle can travel before it needs more fuel
▪ The airplane has a 1,200-mile range. = The airplane has a range of 1,200 miles. 6 [count] : a series of mountains or hills in a line
▪ the northern and southern mountain ranges — sometimes used in the names of mountain ranges ▪ the Cascade Range 7 US : open land that farm animals (such as cows and sheep) use for grazing and roaming : rangeland [noncount] ▪ the areas of open range in Wyoming [count] ▪ The book identifies plants that grow on the western ranges. 8 [noncount] : the ability to move around
▪ He wears loose clothing to give his arms and legs free range of motion. 9 [count] : the area in which an animal or plant naturally lives
▪ The grizzly bear's range is largely limited to the northwestern parts of North America. 10 [count] a : a place where people can practice shooting guns
▪ a firing/shooting/rifle range
b : a place where weapons are tested
▪ a missile range
c : a place where people can practice hitting golf balls : driving range 11 [count] US : a large piece of kitchen equipment that consists of an oven and a stove
▪ a gas/electric range [=(Brit) cooker] — see picture at kitchen 12 [count] chiefly Brit : a group of related products that are sold by one company
▪ The company has a wide product range. ▪ a full range [=line] of electrical supplies