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

• 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

That bag has been under planes, in the back of cars, and strewn on hotel room floors. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2025

In Indiana, scientists are worried about the vineyards strewn across the state. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 16 July 2025

The 153rd Open Championship tees off Thursday on the dune and medieval ruin strewn Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush. —Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

With six kilometers to go, a crash at the back of the peloton left around 10 riders strewn across the road and some no doubt fearing their participation in the race was over. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025

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