handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhand-ˌrī-tiŋ How to pronounce handwriting (audio)
Synonyms of handwritingnext
1
: writing done by hand
especially : the form of writing peculiar to a particular person
2
: something written by hand

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.
George Hodel’s handwriting also resembled that on notes sent by the killer to law enforcement. Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 The issue for many fans was that Jeopardy had previously ruled players incorrect for similarly muddled handwriting. Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026 Screenshots of dozens of ballots from those votes provided to the Herald show similar handwriting. Linda Robertson june 23, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 Between the many ceasefires, extensions and delays, the handwriting is on the wall. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Handwriting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handwriting. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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

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