scribe

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noun (1)

ˈskrīb 

1

: a member of a learned class in ancient Israel through New Testament times studying the Scriptures and serving as copyists, editors, teachers, and jurists

2

a

: an official or public secretary or clerk

b

: a copier of manuscripts

3

: writer

specifically : journalist

scribe

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verb (1)

scribed; scribing

intransitive verb

: to work as a scribe : write

scribe

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verb (2)

scribed; scribing

transitive verb

1

: to mark a line on by cutting or scratching with a pointed instrument

2

: to make by cutting or scratching

scribe

4 of 4

noun (2)

: scriber

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• amanuensis
• copyist
• calligrapher
• scrivener

Verb (2)

• file
• scratch
• seam
• groove

Examples of scribe in a Sentence

Noun (1)

variations between the different manuscripts attest to the fallibility of the scribes who transmitted them

the scribe keeps the minutes of the club's meetings

a book of dusty poems by some now-forgotten scribe

Verb (2)

carefully scribed two lines into the wood

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Matthew Lillard wants to reunite with Scooby–Doo scribe and DC Studios boss James Gunn on a new project. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025

By capturing various order entries—such as lab orders, imaging and medication refills—AI scribes can improve the standard and quality of documentation. —Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Verb

The project is written by BAFTA-winning Somewhere Boy scribe Pete Jackson for Baby Reindeer producer Clerkenwell Films in association with Sky Studios. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025

The movie was created and produced by Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, who helmed the 2012 LCD Soundsystem concert film Shut Up and Play the Hits. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin scriba official writer, from scribere to write; akin to Greek skariphasthai to scratch an outline

Verb (2)

probably short for describe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1651, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1812, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scribe

• bribe
• gibe
• jibe
• tribe
• vibe
• ascribe
• describe
• imbibe
• inscribe
• prescribe
• proscribe
• subscribe

Kids Definition

scribe

1 of 2 noun

ˈskrīb 

1

: a scholar of the Jewish law in New Testament times

2

a

: a public secretary or clerk

b

: a person who copies manuscripts

scribe

2 of 2 verb

scribed; scribing

: to mark or make by cutting or scratching with a pointed instrument

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scribe "one of a class of scholars and copiers of the Scriptures in ancient Israel," from Latin scriba "official writer," from scribere "to write" — related to circumscribe, description, scribble, scripture, shrove tuesday

Biographical Definition

Scribe

biographical name

ˈskrēb 

(Augustin-) Eugène 1791–1861 French dramatist