straddle

1 of 2

verb

strad·​dle ˈstra-dᵊl 

straddled; straddling ˈstrad-liŋ 

ˈstra-dᵊl-iŋ

intransitive verb

1

: to stand, sit, or walk with the legs wide apart

especially : to sit astride

2

: to spread out irregularly : sprawl

3

: to favor or seem to favor two apparently opposite sides

4

: to execute a commodities market spread

transitive verb

1

: to stand, sit, or be astride of

straddle a horse

campsites straddling the river

2

: to be noncommittal in regard to

straddle an issue

3

: to belong in part to (each of several categories)

a movie straddling genres

straddler

ˈstrad-lər 

ˈstra-dᵊl-ər

noun

straddle

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or position of one who straddles

2

: a noncommittal or equivocal position

3

: spread sense 5

Phrases

straddle the fence

: to be in a position of neutrality or indecision

Examples of straddle in a Sentence

Verb

Turkey straddles Asia and Europe.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The polo belt occupies a unique niche in the realm of menswear—it’s worn by both princes and athletes, at once aesthetic and utilitarian, and somehow straddles the worlds of casual and elevated dress. —Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024

House District 19: This district straddles Boulder and Weld counties. —John Frank, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

If unable to stop, do not straddle animals: If possible, always try to drive around an animal rather than straddle, which is when a driver positions its vehicle so the critter is in the middle of the vehicle to avoid crushing with tires. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 19 June 2024

These rules include straddles, the constructive sale rule, and shorting against the box. —Robert Green, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

irregular from stride

First Known Use

Verb

1565, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing straddle

• straddle the fence

Kids Definition

straddle

1 of 2 verb

strad·​dle ˈstrad-ᵊl 

straddled; straddling ˈstrad-liŋ 

-ᵊl-iŋ

1

: to stand, sit, or walk with the legs wide apart

2

: to approve or seem to approve two apparently opposite sides

straddle a question

straddler

-lər 

-ᵊl-ər

noun

straddle

2 of 2 noun

: the act or position of one that straddles

Legal Definition

straddle

noun

strad·​dle

ˈstrad-ᵊl

: the purchase of an equal number of put options and call options on the same underlying securities with the same price and maturity date