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 endangered Florida panther faces the dual threats of urban sprawl and increased traffic In 2024, 36 panther deaths were recorded by state wildlife officials, which was the most since 2016. Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 Like many cities, the fringes of Sydney’s urban sprawl are made up of working-class families, newly arrived immigrants and those pushed out further and further from downtown by rising housing prices. Victoria Kim, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 Local Vibe: Salt Lake has grown into a sophisticated urban sprawl with a vibrant downtown, thriving art scene, and bustling nightlife with street vendors and musicians. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025 These solutions would likewise benefit our nation’s wildlife, which are being squeezed tighter every year by urban sprawl. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Urban sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urban%20sprawl. Accessed 5 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!