straddle

1 of 2

verb

strad·​dle ˈstra-dᵊl How to pronounce straddle (audio)
straddled; straddling ˈstrad-liŋ How to pronounce straddle (audio)
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 How to pronounce straddle (audio)
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
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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for straddle 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of straddle was in 1565

Dictionary Entries Near straddle

Cite this Entry

“Straddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straddle. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

straddle

1 of 2 verb
strad·​dle ˈstrad-ᵊl How to pronounce straddle (audio)
straddled; straddling ˈstrad-liŋ How to pronounce straddle (audio)
-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 How to pronounce straddle (audio)
-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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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