# sprawl

/ˈspɹɔɫ/ (US) · /spɹˈɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sprawl
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the way a city or town grows outward in a messy, unplanned way. It usually means buildings and roads spread out over a large area instead of being built in one central place.

For teachers: the uncontrolled or unplanned expansion of a built environment, typically characterized by low-density development and the spread of urban infrastructure into rural areas.

## Examples

- The city is fighting against urban sprawl.
- Urban planners argue that the unchecked sprawl of the metropolitan area has strained public services and increased the carbon footprint of daily commutes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.