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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The event underscores growing concerns about extreme weather events in the Southwest, a region already contending with prolonged drought, extreme heat, and expanding urban sprawl that increases vulnerability. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 On a societal level, bigger cars take up more public space, leaving less room for the livable, likeable city and promote urban sprawl. Mattias Goldmann, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025 The swans pose too great a threat to native species reliant on the few wetlands left in California, which has lost at least 90% of the habitats to agriculture and urban sprawl. Calmatters, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025 His top priority is to end urban sprawl and support denser developments in urban areas. Chapin, who owns a public relations firm, is an Orlando Utilities Commission board member. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for urban sprawl

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urban sprawl was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Urban sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urban%20sprawl. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

urban sprawl

noun
: the spreading of urban structures into areas surrounding a city

More from Merriam-Webster on urban sprawl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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