sprawl
verb (used without object)
to be stretched or spread out in an unnatural or ungraceful manner.
had been sprawling
-
past perfect progressiveof sprawl.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Jim who had been sprawling full length in his arm-chair, the centre of interest of all the company, suddenly sprang forward and pushed his face, grinning, in the face of Lilly.
From Aaron's Rod by D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Ford had been sprawling in a soft leather chair in front of the open fire.
From The Lost House by Richard Harding Davis
Matt rose from the low chair where he had been sprawling, and stretched his stalwart arms abroad.
From The Quality of Mercy by William Dean Howells
