sprawl
sprawl Lexical Profile
sprawl Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The uncontrolled, disorderly, or irregular expansion of an urban or industrial area into the surrounding countryside.
"City planners are promoting public transit to curb suburban sprawl and preserve nearby farmland."
An awkward, relaxed, or ungainly posture or movement with the limbs spread out.
"He landed in a clumsy sprawl on the grass after tripping over the tree root."
• verb
To sit, lie, or fall with one's arms and legs spread out in an ungainly, relaxed, or awkward way.
"After the long hike, the exhausted dog sprawled across the cool kitchen tiles."
To spread out over a large area in an untidy, irregular, or unplanned way (especially of cities, buildings, or plants).
"The metropolitan area sprawls for miles along the coast, connecting several formerly distinct towns."
To thrust the legs backward while driving the hips downward to defend against an opponent's takedown attempt (in wrestling and mixed martial arts).
"The wrestler managed to sprawl just in time to block his opponent's lunge for his legs."
• Rhymes for sprawl
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English sprawlen, derived from Old English spreawlian, meaning 'to move convulsively' or 'to stretch out the limbs'.