C1nounurbanenvironment
US/sprɔːl/
UK/sprɔːl/
the spread of buildings and roads over a large area around a city
In context
Urban sprawl has swallowed the farmland that once surrounded the town.
Planners want to stop suburban sprawl by building taller apartment blocks downtown.
The sprawl of the city makes public transport expensive to run.
Words that go with sprawl
adjective + noun
- urban sprawlUrban sprawl increases traffic and pollution.
- suburban sprawlSuburban sprawl depends on cars.
verb + noun
- control sprawlThe city introduced rules to control sprawl.
- limit sprawlGreen belts limit sprawl around the capital.
noun + preposition
- sprawl of the cityThe sprawl of the city has doubled in 20 years.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the urban sprawlsCorrect: urban sprawl