urban sprawl

noun

Definition of urban sprawl

: 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 Although periodical cicadas seem plentiful, Kritsky argues that deforestation, urban sprawl and more have contributed to their decline. — Washington Post, "Can you eat cicadas? Yes, and here’s the best way to catch, cook and snack on them.," 5 May 2021 In her book, Bradshaw delves into how city developments and the subsequent urban sprawl has pushed and contained wildlife to public lands. — Anton L. Delgado, The Arizona Republic, "Wildlife as property owners? An ASU law professor puts the theory to practice in Phoenix," 26 Apr. 2021 But importantly, the bill's language specifies the money is for repairs — not new roads and widenings that can promote urban sprawl. — Angie Schmitt For Cnn Business Perspectives, CNN, "Biden's infrastructure plan would reduce our reliance on cars," 10 Apr. 2021 Obviously increasing the housing supply without worsening urban sprawl is desirable to most factions. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Opinion: Your Say on proposal to eliminate single-family home zoning," 2 Apr. 2021 Their rooftop bar, with sweeping views of L.A.’s urban sprawl, is adorned in jade palmeral-tiger print. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "The Britely, a New Member’s Club in Los Angeles, Is Feather-Filled and Fabulous," 30 Mar. 2021 Five times the size of Central Park, and home to a solitary mountain lion, Griffith brings a tinge of wilderness to the urban sprawl. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, "“Darkness Sounding” Takes Music Outside," 22 Feb. 2021 New bridges improved connectivity between the two banks of the Thames, and a new railway network spurred urban sprawl. — Washington Post, "In London’s Crystal Palace neighborhood, looking backward to move forward," 12 Feb. 2021 The campus is a sight rarely seen in Baghdad's urban sprawl: Ducks float by peacefully as a handful of students, backpacks slung over their shoulders, head to class. — Samya Kullab, Star Tribune, "American university hopes to fill higher-ed gap in Iraq," 15 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urban sprawl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.