scarecrow

noun

scare·​crow ˈsker-ˌkrō 

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

Here’s a guide to scarecrows past and present, including expert tips on how to construct an autumnal bogeyman of your own that is sure to stand out. — Victoria Hoffmann, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Oct. 2026

There are also four black hearts hidden in the scarecrows, which can be used to blow up a player’s scarecrow avatar and block them from getting this mysterious power-up. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Ryan Lawlor, who came up with the idea for the town’s Halloween scarecrow contest, got the mannequin heads, then searched for the right pair of glass frames and found them in a Dollar Store. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Other competitions throughout the weekend include baking contests for children, teens and adults, as well as a scarecrow contest and youth art competition. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

scarecrow

noun

scare·​crow ˈske(ə)r-ˌkrō 

ˈska(ə)r-

: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to scare birds away from crops