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
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
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
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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
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
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 14 Jan. 2026.
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