What does strewed mean?
Strewed is the past tense and past participle of strew, a verb meaning to scatter objects or particles loosely across a surface. A path might be strewed with leaves, or confetti might be strewed over the crowd. The verb can also describe a wider, often figurative distribution: a narrative may be strewed with vivid details, while a landscape may be strewed with villages. In figurative use, the word suggests abundance and irregular scattering rather than deliberate arrangement. It is standard in both British and American English. Although “strewed” works as a past participle, “strewn” is the more usual form in adjectival phrases, particularly when it directly modifies a surface or an area.
verb (past tense and past participle)To scatter small objects or particles loosely over a surface. It can also mean to spread something widely, especially people, places, or qualities.
- To scatter small objects or particles loosely over a surface.
- To spread or distribute something widely, especially people, places, or qualities.
"She strewed rose petals across the entrance hall."
"The children strewed the path with leaves."
"The account of her early life is strewed with exaggerations."
Flowers are strewed, but petals are strewn—a distinction in sound that mirrors a distinction in grammar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strewed come from?
The word comes through Middle English from the Old English verb strewian, meaning “to scatter.” Its Germanic relatives include German streuen and Dutch strooien, all reflecting a Proto-Germanic root associated with scattering or spreading.
Related word forms
How strewed is actually used
The form is most natural in the past tense or past participle. The irregular past participle “strewn” is preferred in adjectival constructions such as “a floor strewn with petals.”
Easily confused with strewed
Both forms can describe a scattered surface, but “strewed” is the usual past tense, while “strewn” is the standard past participle and is also used adjectivally.