# strewn

/ˈstɹun/ (US) · /stɹˈuːn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strewn
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

scattered or spread untidily over a surface. You use this to describe things that are lying around in a messy way.

For teachers: scattered or spread over a surface in a disorganized or untidy manner. Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'lie' to describe the state of a location.

## Examples

- Clothes were strewn across the bedroom floor.
- After the storm, the beach was strewn with seaweed and pieces of broken wood.
- The morning after the festival, the park was strewn with discarded flyers and empty bottles, presenting a stark contrast to the manicured lawns of the previous week.

## Usage notes

- Typically used with the preposition 'with' when describing the surface, or 'across' and 'over' when describing the objects.

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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.