spraddle

verb

sprad·​dle ˈspra-dᵊl How to pronounce spraddle (audio)
spraddled; spraddling ˈsprad-liŋ How to pronounce spraddle (audio)
ˈspra-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

1
: sprawl
2
: to go or walk with a straddling gait : straddle

transitive verb

1
: sprawl
2
: to spread (the legs) wide apart
a duck with spraddled legs

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of straddle and sprawl

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spraddle was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near spraddle

Cite this Entry

“Spraddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spraddle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!