straddles; straddled; straddling
1
: to sit or ride with a leg on either side of (something)
He straddled the stool.
She straddled the horse.
2
a
: to be on both sides of (something)
Campsites straddled the river.
—often used figurativelyTheir music straddles the line between rock and jazz.
b
: to have parts that are in (different places, regions, etc.)
Turkey straddles Asia and Europe.
—often used figurativelyThe movie straddles too many genres.
3
: to agree with or seem to agree with two opposite sides of (something)
She straddled the issue.
Cite this Entry
“Straddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/straddle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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