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Definition of straggle

straggle

/ˈstræɡ.əl/
strag · gle
Adverb:stragglingly
•
Plural:straggles
•
Adjective:straggly
•
Past Simple:straggled
•
Past Participle:straggled
•
Present Participle:straggling
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straggle Lexical Profile

straggle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To move along slowly, irregularly, or in scattered groups so as to fall behind a main body.

Example

"Exhausted hikers began to straggle behind the main group as the trail grew steeper."

2

To grow, spread, or extend in an irregular, untidy, orrambling manner (especially of plants, hair, or buildings).

Example

"Wild blackberries straggle over the old stone wall at the edge of the orchard."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

An irregular, scattered, or disorderly group of people or things.

Example

"A small straggle of tourists followed the tour guide across the cobblestone square."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for straggle

• Nearby Words

stowaway
straddle
strafe
straggle
straggler
straggly
straight

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in late 14th-century Middle English, the word is likely a frequentative formation of an unrecorded base meaning 'to stray' or 'to stretch out', formed with the suffix '-le'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Straggle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/straggle
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