sprawl
//sprɔːl//
Verb
sprawlInfinitive
sprawlPresent tense
sprawledPast tense
sprawledPast participle
sprawlingPresent participle
sprawlsThird-person singular
1
To sit, lie, or fall with one's arms and legs spread out in an ungainly or awkward way.
He sprawled on the sofa after a long day at work.
2
To spread out over a large area in an untidy or irregular way.
The city sprawls across the valley.
Synonym
Antonym
Noun
sprawlSingular
sprawlsPlural
1
An ungainly or carelessly relaxed position in which one's arms and legs are spread out.
He lay in a sprawl on the sofa, his arms and legs spread out.
2
The expansion of an urban or industrial area into the adjoining countryside in a way perceived to be disorganized and unattractive.
Urban sprawl has destroyed much of the farmland around the city.