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

Lawmakers recently spent hours arguing over measures to preempt local governments from funding activities that fall under a vague and broad definition of diversity, equality and inclusion, stop them from restricting greenhouse gases, and prevent them from regulating urban sprawl. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Commutes had lengthened due to urban sprawl and more traffic congestion. —Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026

Fields soon replaced the graffiti and urban sprawl, stretching in rectangles of straw-gold and damp green. —Vic O'Sullivan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026

How did some of the other themes make their way into the story — family legacy, the bonds of childhood friendship, the impact of urban sprawl and rural depopulation? —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for urban sprawl

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

urban sprawl

noun

: the spreading of urban structures into areas surrounding a city