scarecrow

noun

scare·​crow ˈsker-ˌkrō How to pronounce scarecrow (audio)
1
a
: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to frighten birds away from crops
b
: something frightening but harmless
2
: a skinny or ragged person

Examples of scarecrow in a Sentence

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.
There will be a scarecrow contest (entry fee is $5) and parade of scarecrows. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 Way to Celebrate Pumpkin Outdoor Coir Mat I’m all about curb appeal, and come fall, my favorite thing to do is adorn my front porch with colorful, vibrant mums, hay bales, scarecrows, and other seasonal decor. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025 Fun seasonal events include Oktoberfest in downtown Fraser, the Town Square Scare in Kremmling, and the annual scarecrow contest in Granby. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025 Not every dream has a yellow brick road, a lion and scarecrow, and that’s where the Engine Building Bootcamp comes in. Kimberly P. Mitchell, Freep.com, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarecrow

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarecrow was in 1573

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scarecrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarecrow. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

scarecrow

noun
scare·​crow ˈske(ə)r-ˌkrō How to pronounce scarecrow (audio)
ˈska(ə)r-
: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to scare birds away from crops

More from Merriam-Webster on scarecrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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