straddle

¹strad·dle

verb \ˈstra-d^əl\

strad·dledstrad·dling \ˈstrad-liŋ, ˈstra-d^əl-iŋ\

Definition of STRADDLE

intransitive verb

1

: to stand, sit, or walk with the legs wide apart; especially : to sit astride

2

: to spread out irregularly : sprawl

3

: to favor or seem to favor two apparently opposite sides

4

: to execute a commodities market spread

transitive verb

1

: to stand, sit, or be astride of <straddle a horse> <campsites straddling the river>

2

: to be noncommittal in regard to <straddle an issue>

3

: to belong in part to (each of several categories) <a movie straddling genres>

— strad·dler \ˈstrad-lər, ˈstra-d^əl-ər\ noun

— straddle the fence

: to be in a position of neutrality or indecision

Examples of STRADDLE

1. Turkey straddles Asia and Europe.

Origin of STRADDLE

irregular from stride

First Known Use: 1565

Rhymes with STRADDLE

addle, paddle, raddle, saddle, spraddle, staddle

²straddle

noun

Definition of STRADDLE

1

: the act or position of one who straddles

2

: a noncommittal or equivocal position

3

: spread 5

First Known Use of STRADDLE

1611

Rhymes with STRADDLE

addle, paddle, raddle, saddle