scoundrel

noun

scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a disreputable person : rascal
scoundrel adjective
scoundrelly adjective

Examples of scoundrel in a Sentence

some scoundrel stole my wallet
Recent Examples on the Web It has been pillaged, wounded, dragged into an aggressive war, and turned into a prison run by the most unscrupulous and deceitful scoundrels. Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 There is so much great art created by scoundrels and so much bad art created by saints. Eva Wiseman, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024 Ticket buyers who dressed in sumptuous lace, lavish gowns and their finest attire called the event an all-out scam run by scoundrels. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 26 Sep. 2024 As a scoundrel, players decide on their own code among a wretched hive of scum and villainy. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scoundrel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scoundrel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoundrel was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near scoundrel

Cite this Entry

“Scoundrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoundrel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

scoundrel

noun
scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a mean or wicked person : villain
scoundrelly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scoundrel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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