strew

verb

ˈstrü How to pronounce strew (audio)
strewed; strewed or strewn ˈstrün How to pronounce strew (audio) ; strewing
Synonyms of strew

transitive verb

1
: to spread by scattering
2
: to cover by or as if by scattering something
strewing the highways with litter
3
: to become dispersed over as if scattered
4
: to spread abroad : disseminate

Synonyms of strew

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Examples of strew in a Sentence

She strewed the birdseed on the ground. sidewalks strewed with trash left by the parade watchers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earlier this summer in Germany, evacuations were ordered in record-breaking heat after a wildfire triggered explosions in a nature reserve strewn with leftover ordnance from World War II. — John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 Even the patients had cut out hearts strewn over the beds that were in there for us. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 When Etna’s close companion handler Jason is killed after four years in earth-scorching combat, Etna sets out to rediscover his coastal puppyhood home in an unnamed region (Yoon’s details suggest Korea) across a wasteland strewn with refugee camps. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 The overhead compartments were damaged, with the lids torn off and strewn across the cabin floor along with the belongings of those onboard, according to news agency Viral Press. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strew

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strewen, strowen, from Old English strewian, strēowian; akin to Old High German strewen to strew, Latin struere to heap up, sternere to spread out, Greek stornynai

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strew was before the 12th century

Rhymes for strew

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Browse Nearby Words

streuselkuchen
strew
strewer
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Cite this Entry

“Strew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strew. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strew

verb
ˈstrü How to pronounce strew (audio)
strewed; strewed or strewn ˈstrün How to pronounce strew (audio) ; strewing
1
: to spread (as seeds) by scattering
2
: to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
strewing the highways with litter
3
: to spread around as if sowing seeds : disseminate

More from Merriam-Webster on strew

Nglish: Translation of strew for Spanish Speakers

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