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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
The state’s land use laws, which limit urban sprawl, also contribute to housing scarcity, further pushing up prices.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
Cities and counties must soon consider the impact of development on wildlife connectivity in their land-use plans following the passage of a law intended to promote safe travel across habitat fragmented by urban sprawl and freeways.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
Focusing on urban density, retrofits promote efficient land use and help prevent urban sprawl, thereby protecting ecosystems.
—Kathleen Abbott, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Subways cater to high-density centers, while cars, including autonomous vehicles, suit low-density urban sprawl.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for urban sprawl
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Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
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 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
urban sprawl
noun
: the spreading of urban structures into areas surrounding a city
More from Merriam-Webster on urban sprawl
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for urban sprawl
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