handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhand-ˌrī-tiŋ How to pronounce handwriting (audio)
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

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
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.
In the wake of that decision, the Louisiana legislature, after losing before multiple courts, saw the handwriting on the wall and drew a new map that provided for a second majority-Black district. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 27 June 2025 Back in the game, the blue players enter a room with a starry ceiling and brick walls covered in childish handwriting and drawings. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025 In addition to radiocarbon dating, scholars frequently study the evolution of ancient handwriting—a field of study known as paleography. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 June 2025 Before now, one of the few ways to date the Dead Sea Scrolls was through palaeography (the study of handwriting) and radiocarbon dating. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for handwriting

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handwriting was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handwriting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handwriting. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

handwriting

noun
hand·​writ·​ing ˈhan-ˌdrīt-iŋ How to pronounce handwriting (audio)
1
: writing done by hand
2
: the form of a particular person's writing
3
: something written by hand

More from Merriam-Webster on handwriting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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