urban sprawl
noun
: the spreading of urban developments (such as houses and shopping centers) on undeveloped land near a city
Examples of urban sprawl in a Sentence
efforts to stop urban sprawl
Recent Examples on the Web
To the bottom left is the urban sprawl of Milano — the second most populous city in Italy, while historic Verona sits to its right, close to the azure expanse of Lake Garda.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026
This lion was traveling a circuitous route from mountains to foothills to backyards and front yards, navigating urban sprawl but avoiding encounters with people.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Arizonans are no strangers to most of the state's driving laws, especially given the long commutes and urban sprawl that keep many key destinations at least a short car ride away.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The martins’ massive aerial formation is a fleeting reminder that even in our sprawling urban sprawl, nature finds its stage.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for urban sprawl
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Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 Feb. 2026
This lion was traveling a circuitous route from mountains to foothills to backyards and front yards, navigating urban sprawl but avoiding encounters with people.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Arizonans are no strangers to most of the state's driving laws, especially given the long commutes and urban sprawl that keep many key destinations at least a short car ride away.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The martins’ massive aerial formation is a fleeting reminder that even in our sprawling urban sprawl, nature finds its stage.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for urban sprawl
Cite this Entry
“Urban sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urban%20sprawl. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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