handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhand-ˌrī-tiŋ 

1

: writing done by hand

especially : the form of writing peculiar to a particular person

2

: something written by hand

Phrases

handwriting on the wall

: writing on the wall

Synonyms

• scribble
• hand
• script
• penmanship
• signature
• print
• autograph

Examples of handwriting in a Sentence

Her handwriting is nearly impossible to read.

she immediately recognized the handwriting on the envelope as that of her old college roommate

Recent Examples on the Web

Underpinning the experience is NOTE OS, which integrates recording, transcription, handwriting, text editing, and AI tools into a single workspace. —New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2025

Simon managed to keep scribbling on his yellow legal pad but his handwriting, illegible on a good day, quickly deteriorated into nothing more than chicken scratch. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

Specializing in forging the handwriting of Lord Byron, Major Byron was among the most prolific autograph forgers of the nineteenth century. —JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025

Wise’s edition contained a facsimile of the opening page of the Life, which has allowed informed comment on the layout and handwriting of the lost manuscript. —Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handwriting

• see/read the writing/handwriting on the wall
• the writing/handwriting is on the wall

Rhymes for handwriting

• alighting
• backbiting
• bullfighting
• daylighting
• delighting
• exciting
• firefighting
• highlighting
• igniting
• inciting
• indicting
• infighting

Kids Definition

handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhan-ˌdrīt-iŋ 

1

: writing done by hand

2

: the form of a particular person's writing

3

: something written by hand