scrawl

verb

scrawled; scrawling; scrawls
Synonyms of scrawlnext

transitive verb

: to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly
scrawled his name

intransitive verb

: to write awkwardly or carelessly
scrawl noun
scrawler noun
scrawly adjective

Examples of scrawl in a Sentence

She scrawled her signature on the receipt. scrawled a quick note, stuck it in their mailbox, and hurried off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first blurry image shows a line scrawled on her chest. Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025 Written on the Wall by Shaun Lewis This book is a collection of photographs of musings that were scrawled on porta-potty walls in Iraq, taken by a soldier during his deployment in 2004 and 2005. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025 These were widely vandalized by haters who scrawled messages denouncing Friend as a surveillance device and blasting the rise of AI overall. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2025 The act of scrawling them upon the page is tangible and pleasing. Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrawl

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrawl was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrawl. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

scrawl

verb
: to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly : scribble
scrawl noun
scrawly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scrawl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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