spraddle

verb

sprad·​dle ˈspra-dᵊl How to pronounce spraddle (audio)
spraddled; spraddling ˈsprad-liŋ How to pronounce spraddle (audio)
ˈspra-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

1
: sprawl
2
: to go or walk with a straddling gait : straddle

transitive verb

1
: sprawl
2
: to spread (the legs) wide apart
a duck with spraddled legs

Keep scrolling for more

Word History

Etymology

perhaps blend of straddle and sprawl

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spraddle was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near spraddle

sprack

spraddle

spraddle leg

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spraddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spraddle. Accessed 18 Aug. 2022.

Copy Citation

Keep scrolling for more

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of immutable

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Words You Should Know

  • hedgehog reading a book
  • Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games