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

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

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