Spawl - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sprawl refers to the uncontrolled, often messy expansion of urban areas into surrounding land, typically resulting in low-density development. It can also describe something spread out awkwardly or untidily.
Definition:
To spread out in a disorderly or untidy way, often over a large area.
Synonyms:
sprawl, spread, stretch, extend, scatter
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
gather, compress
Common Collocations:
urban sprawl, suburban sprawl, industrial sprawl
Derivatives:
sprawling (adj.), sprawled (v.)
Usage Tips:
Use "sprawl" to describe uncontrolled expansion or untidy spreading of objects or people.
Common Phrases:
urban sprawl, suburban sprawl, industrial sprawl
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "spreawlian," meaning to move limbs clumsily or spread out loosely.
Examples:
- 1. The city's sprawl extends for miles beyond downtown.
- 2. She let her books sprawl across the table in disarray.
- 3. Urban sprawl has consumed much of the surrounding farmland.
- 4. The cat loves to sprawl lazily in the sunbeam.