verb / noun
straddle
STRAD-ul/ˈstrædl/
To occupy both sides of something.
A woman straddles a stationary bicycle with both feet on the ground.
Etymology
Probably formed from a frequentative of “stride,” straddle first described spreading the legs wide. That posture developed into the sense of placing one leg on either side of something.
More examples
- Their farm straddles the state line.
- He sits in a straddle on the narrow bench.
- The senator straddles the fence rather than choosing a side.
Forms
straddle · straddles · straddled · straddling