What does strewing mean?
Strewing means to scatter small objects or pieces across a surface, often creating a decorative or uneven covering. The word is the present participle of “strew,” an old and somewhat literary verb with two closely related uses: scattering something over an area, and covering an area with it. “Strewing petals,” “strewing gravel,” and “strewing the path with leaves” all show the action, while forms such as “strewn with wildflowers” describe the resulting surface. The word appears in both everyday descriptions and more formal or poetic writing, where it can suggest abundance, beauty, or a conspicuous spread. Its past participle is irregular: “strewed” is common in general use, while “strewn” is especially characteristic of descriptions such as “the hillside was strewn with flowers.”
verbTo scatter or spread small objects or pieces over a surface, or to cover a surface with them.
- To scatter or spread small objects or pieces over a surface.
- To cover a surface with scattered objects or pieces.
"She was strewing the path with petals as the wind rose."
"The children were strewing shells along the shoreline."
"Autumn leaves strewed the courtyard after the storm."
Strewing turns a small handful of objects into a surface-wide transformation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strewing come from?
The verb “strew” comes from Old English “streaw,” related to words meaning straw or to scatter or spread. In Middle English, its meaning developed into the familiar sense of scattering objects over a surface. The modern form “strewing” continues that sense, while the irregular past participle “strewn” reflects the historical development of the verb.
Related word forms
How strewing is actually used
“Strewing” is the present participle and gerund of “strew.” It can describe an action in progress or form part of a compound expression such as “a path strewn with leaves,” where “strewn” is the usual form.
Easily confused with strewing
“Strewing” names the action of scattering something, whereas “strewn” usually describes a surface that has been covered or scattered with something.