Main Entry: ¹sprawl

Pronunciation: \ˈsprȯl\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sprēawlian

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a archaic : to lie thrashing or tossing about b : to creep or clamber awkwardly
2 : to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out
3 : to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint <bushes sprawling along the road> <sprawling suburbs> <a sprawling narrative>transitive verb : to cause to spread out carelessly or awkwardly <sprawled out her books on the table>