Meaning of the word "fan out" in English

What does "fan out" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

fan out

US /fæn aʊt/
UK /fæn aʊt/

Phrasal Verb

to spread out from a central point, like a fan

Example:
The police officers decided to fan out and search the area.
The birds fanned out across the sky.