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
Set against the backdrop of Goa’s transformation from a tranquil coastal region to an urban sprawl, the story blends comedic and tragic moments while exploring themes of memory, loss and human connection.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025
Manila, Philippines — An hour north of the city, where urban sprawl gives way to hills, a boy in a Batman shirt waits by the front of his family’s small convenience store.
—Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
The authors argue reviving rail isn’t only about transport efficiency, but about equity and reconnecting rural regions left behind by shrinking air routes and urban sprawl.
—Chelsea Haney
october 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
For cinephiles, this feature, shot on 16-millimeter film, will likely feel like a successor to John Waters’ dynasty of filth, down to its setting in the fictional urban sprawl of Trashtown.
—Elaina Patton, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025
Manila, Philippines — An hour north of the city, where urban sprawl gives way to hills, a boy in a Batman shirt waits by the front of his family’s small convenience store.
—Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
The authors argue reviving rail isn’t only about transport efficiency, but about equity and reconnecting rural regions left behind by shrinking air routes and urban sprawl.
—Chelsea Haney
october 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
For cinephiles, this feature, shot on 16-millimeter film, will likely feel like a successor to John Waters’ dynasty of filth, down to its setting in the fictional urban sprawl of Trashtown.
—Elaina Patton, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025
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 30 Nov. 2025.
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