strew
UK: /struː/ | US: /struː/
vt. to scatter or spread things untidily over a surface
vt. to cover a surface with scattered objects
The word "strew" originates from Old English strēowian, meaning "to scatter or spread." It is related to the Proto-Germanic strawjaną, which carries the same sense of dispersing objects loosely. The root shares ancestry with Old Norse strá (straw) and German streuen (to scatter), reflecting a common theme of spreading or sprinkling. Over time, "strew" retained its core meaning of untidily distributing items, often used in contexts like scattering leaves, petals, or debris.
She strewed rose petals along the aisle before the wedding.
The wind strewed papers across the office floor.
The gardener strewed seeds across the freshly tilled soil.
After the storm, the beach was strewed with driftwood.
He carelessly strewed his clothes all over the room.