strew

verb

ˈstrü 

strewed; strewed or strewn ˈstrün  ; strewing

transitive verb

1

: to spread by scattering

2

: to cover by or as if by scattering something

strewing the highways with litter

3

: to become dispersed over as if scattered

4

: to spread abroad : disseminate

Synonyms of strew

• spray
• sprinkle
• dot
• pepper

Examples of strew in a Sentence

She strewed the birdseed on the ground.

sidewalks strewed with trash left by the parade watchers

Recent Examples on the Web

Lingering problems from inflation, immigration, and an aging population have strewn disillusionment with France’s traditional parties and boosted RN’s chances, giving the party its best shot yet. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 July 2026

Plunk down in one of the Adirondack chairs strewn along the shore and zen out to the rippling waters while watching for deer tiptoeing along the stream. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Photos released by state police showed the tractor-trailer lying on its side, with cans of Michelob Ultra and Bud Light strewn across the roadway. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Across the street, camera equipment lay strewn along a section of grass. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strewen, strowen, from Old English strewian, strēowian; akin to Old High German strewen to strew, Latin struere to heap up, sternere to spread out, Greek stornynai

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for strew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

strew

verb

ˈstrü 

strewed; strewed or strewn ˈstrün  ; strewing

1

: to spread (as seeds) by scattering

2

: to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on

strewing the highways with litter

3

: to spread around as if sowing seeds : disseminate