sprawl Definition
- 1to sit or lie with your arms and legs stretched out in a relaxed or awkward way
- 2to spread out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way
Using sprawl: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sprawl" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He sprawled on the sofa, watching TV.
Example
The city sprawls over a vast area of land.
Example
The papers were sprawled all over the desk.
Example
The town is sprawling rapidly.
sprawl Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sprawl
Example
She sprawled out on the beach towel, soaking up the sun.
Example
The city's urban sprawl has caused traffic congestion and environmental problems.
Example
The new shopping mall is located in the city's sprawl zone.
Origins of sprawl
from Middle English 'spraulen', meaning 'to move convulsively'
Summary: sprawl in Brief
The verb 'sprawl' [sprɔːl] means to stretch out one's limbs in a relaxed or awkward way, or to spread out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way. It can be used to describe a person's posture, as in 'He sprawled on the sofa,' or the expansion of a city, as in 'The city sprawls over a vast area of land.' 'Sprawl' also extends into phrases like 'sprawl out' and 'urban sprawl.'