n.
Pronunciation: ' spro ̇ l
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spr ē awlian
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 a archaic : to lie thrashing or tossing about b : to creep or clamber awkwardly
2 : to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out
3 : to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint <bushes sprawl ing along the road> < sprawl ing suburbs> <a sprawl ing narrative>
transitive verb : to cause to spread out carelessly or awkwardly < sprawl ed out her books on the table>