scarecrow

noun scare·crow \ ˈsker-ˌkrō \

Updated on: 30 Mar 2018

Definition of scarecrow

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

See scarecrow defined for English-language learners

See scarecrow defined for kids

Recent Examples of scarecrow from the Web

Republicans aim to use the 77-year-old Mrs. Pelosi as a scarecrow in midterm races.

— the editorial board, WSJ, "Long Live Nancy Pelosi," 21 Mar. 2018
Seeds, plants, a compost area, water hoses, trellises, and a cute scarecrow.

— leslie anne tarabella, AL.com, "Lessons from the garden and farm," 13 Feb. 2018
The ninth Fall Fun Festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens drew more than 500 community members who decorated pumpkins, bobbed for apples, had their faces painted and built scarecrows for the contest.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Benefit concert for Lilac Fire victims and more community news," 8 Jan. 2018
The tiny pumpkin patch is part of a Halloween harvest scene that also features tractors, farmers and scarecrows all made from mini Legos.

— House Beautiful, "You Can Visit the World's Smallest Pumpkin Patch," 24 Oct. 2016
You will be assigned a prime post on West Street to put your business's scarecrow up.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 26 Sep. 2017
The event will feature fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and pumpkin bowling.

— chris barlow, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "West Allis-Greenfield-Greendale Hales Corners: China Lights returns and celebrate fall with a festival," 18 Sep. 2017
Nancy Strong said that the scarecrow contest, which culminated at the festival, actually predates the festival by a year, and blossomed into the full-blown event.

— steve smith, Courant Community, "Strong Farm Fest Delights Crowds," 1 Nov. 2017
Next door, a front entrance is flanked by smiling scarecrow decorations.

— petula dvorak, Washington Post, "The new D.C.: Outside an REI that sells tents, desperate people are living in them," 14 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scarecrow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of scarecrow

1573

See Words from the same year

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

NEW! Time Traveler

SCARECROW Defined for English Language Learners

scarecrow

noun

Definition of scarecrow for English Language Learners

: an object that looks like a person and that is placed in a field to scare birds away from crops

SCARECROW Defined for Kids

scarecrow

noun scare·crow \ ˈsker-ˌkrō \

Definition of scarecrow for Students

: an object made to look like a person and set up to scare birds away from crops

Learn More about scarecrow

See words that rhyme with scarecrow Spanish Central: Translation of scarecrow Nglish: Translation of scarecrow for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarecrow

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up scarecrow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow

Recent Examples of scarecrow from the Web

First Known Use of scarecrow

SCARECROW Defined for English Language Learners

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow for English Language Learners

SCARECROW Defined for Kids

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow for Students

Learn More about scarecrow

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

cathexis

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

Citation

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow

Recent Examples of scarecrow from the Web

First Known Use of scarecrow

SCARECROW Defined for English Language Learners

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow for English Language Learners

SCARECROW Defined for Kids

scarecrow

Definition of scarecrow for Students

Learn More about scarecrow

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes