sprawl

[sprɔːl]

sprawl Definition

• 1. to sit or lie with your arms and legs stretched out in a relaxed or awkward way
• 2. to 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

Synonyms for sprawl

• lounge
• extend
• expand
• stretch out
• lie down

Antonyms for sprawl

• compact
• concentrate
• gather

Phrases with sprawl

• sprawl out

  to stretch out one's body in a relaxed or awkward way

  Example

  She sprawled out on the beach towel, soaking up the sun.

• urban sprawl

  the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural areas

  Example

  The city's urban sprawl has caused traffic congestion and environmental problems.

• sprawl zone

  an area designated for low-density development outside the city limits

  Example

  The new shopping mall is located in the city's sprawl zone.

Origins of sprawl

from Middle English 'spraulen', meaning 'to move convulsively'

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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.'