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.
Authorities recovered airsoft guns with neo-Nazi references scrawled on one in white and said that the Columbine High School shooters, as well as Roof and Tarrant, were among his influences. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 Two earlier copies contain the poem in Old English, but as afterthoughts — translated from Latin and scrawled into the margin or appended but not within the text’s main body, according to the researchers. Andrea Rosa, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Two earlier copies contain the poem in Old English, but as afterthoughts — translated from Latin and scrawled into the margin or appended but not within the text's main body, according to the researchers. CBS News, 17 May 2026 One determined boy, maybe four or five, held a piece of green construction paper with a message scrawled on the front. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Scrawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrawl. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

scrawl

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

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