straggle

[ strag-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, strag·gled, strag·gling.

1. to spread or be spread in a scattered fashion or at irregular intervals:

   The trees straggle over the countryside.

2. to lag behind others:

   Some organizations have caught on to this concept, but others are straggling behind.

3. to stray from the road, course, or line of march.
4. to wander about in a scattered fashion; ramble.

straggle

/ ˈstræɡəl /

verb

1. to go, come, or spread in a rambling or irregular way; stray
2. to linger behind or wander from a main line or part

Derived Forms

• ˈstragglingly, adverb
• ˈstraggly, adjective
• ˈstraggler, noun
• ˈstraggling, adjective

Other Words From

• strag·gler noun
• strag·gling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of straggle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English straglen, of uncertain origin, perhaps a variant of strackle (unrecorded), frequentative of obsolete strake “to go, move” ( -le ( def ) ); stagger ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of straggle¹

C14: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to strake and stretch

Example Sentences

Mr Foldi, the conservative journalist and Rogan super fan, says the attention that Trump will get from this podcast could help him dominate the closing days of the campaign and win over straggling undecided voters.

From BBC

With his bishop, he took a straggling foot soldier.

From Literature

Meanwhile, this country’s now 22-year-old war on terror straggles on in its own devastating fashion, with threats of worse to come in plain sight.

From Salon

Campaigns have normally pushed for it, allowing them to lock in votes early and focus their efforts on Election Day to encourage straggling supporters to get to the polls.

From Seattle Times

But within the blanket of green are several brown patches — timber cuts — dotted with skinny, straggling trees.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dawdle
• meander
• ramble