Sprawling: meaning, definitions and examples

physical space

Sprawling refers to something that spreads out over an extensive area in a careless or irregular manner. It often describes urban development that expands beyond a central point, resulting in a lack of organization and coherence. The term can also apply to plants or vines that grow in a wild or uncontrolled fashion.

dispersed, expansive, spread out, uncontrolled

Examples of usage

• The sprawling city suburbs extended far beyond the original boundaries.

• He admired the sprawling landscapes shown in the paintings.

• The children enjoyed playing in the sprawling gardens.

• That sprawling vine took over the entire wall of the house.