Abstract: A web spreading apparatus for transversely spreading a web, such as a split web formed of a longitudinally uniaxially stretched film, includes a spreading means arranged in a travelling path of the web for transversely spreading the web. The spreading means comprises a curved rod-like member and projections arranged generally circumferentially about an axis of the curved rod-like member. The curved rod-like member is arranged so that the concave side is directed forward and the convex side is directed rearward, in the web travelling direction, and the projections are rotatable about the axis of the curved rod-like member at a speed higher than the travelling speed of the web. In one aspect, the curved rod-like member comprises a curved shaft and an outer tube arranged about the curved shaft and rotatable relative to the curved shaft, the projections being formed between the grooves cut on the outer tube. In another aspect, the projections are formed of a spring arranged about the curved rod-like member.