Splaying: meaning, definitions and examples

positioning limbs

Splaying refers to spreading out or extending the limbs or parts of the body away from each other. This term can often be seen in descriptions of animal behaviors or physical activities where the arms, legs, or fingers are extended outward. Splaying can also describe the arrangement of objects in a way that they are laid out broadly, maximizing exposure or space between them. In some contexts, particularly in botany or architecture, it may refer to a design that features an outward flaring shape.

flaring, spreading, stretching

Examples of usage

• The cat was splaying its paws as it rested on the warm pavement.

• He was splaying his fingers out while playing the piano.

• The leaves were splaying outwards in a beautiful display.