adjective
1. : characterized by clumsy spreading or stretching (as of the arms or legs) : ungainly
this sprawling gait is characteristic of the crocodiles — W.E.Swinton
2. : spreading or developing irregularly or erratically : straggling
a treeless, sprawling town with sandy streets — American Guide Series: Texas
a sprawling book, discursive and prolix — Brendan Gill
3. : carelessly irregular : scrawly
a letter written in a sprawling hand