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.
Growing cities are required by Washington's Growth Management Act, passed in the early 1990s, to anticipate rising populations, lay out infrastructure investments, and address challenges like urban sprawl. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024 The National Capital Region (NCR), a dense urban sprawl of 16 cities that is home to more than 13 million people, is at risk of flooding from heavy to intense rains starting Sunday at noon, data from the state weather agency showed. Reuters, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024 Despite its close proximity to the urban sprawl, the natural world permeates their forested two-acre lot, where rosemary and lavender grow, wild beehives can be found in old tree branches, and the occasional brown bear wanders past. John Wogan, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024 As Austin’s outer bounds have grown, the urban sprawl has encroached on coyote habitat. Cross Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 9 July 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near urban sprawl

Cite this Entry

“Urban sprawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urban%20sprawl. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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!