1. spread out in an irregular, untidy way; scattered or dispersed

1. present participle of straggle: to move slowly behind others in a group; to lag behind
2. present participle of straggle: to grow or spread in an irregular, untidy way

Examples

• The straggling group of hikers finally reached the campsite.
• She tucked her straggling hair behind her ears.
• A few straggling students arrived late to class.
• The straggling vines covered the old fence.
• The children were straggling behind their teacher on the field trip.
• Straggling weeds grew along the path.
• The straggling line of refugees stretched for miles.