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

see also 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.
One photo shows partially redacted handwriting on a blackboard in an office. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025 There's more emphasis on handwriting, routine and classroom expectations. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 Parents have to worry about early-literacy, handwriting, and problem solving. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 16 Nov. 2025 Doesn’t his handwriting seem kind of shaky? Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Handwriting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handwriting. Accessed 12 Dec. 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: - Definition revised
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