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

Then meander the paths to see this year’s crop of scarecrows designed by area groups and businesses. —Dana Oland, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning performer who originated the role of the scarecrow in Broadway‘s The Wiz, has died. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2024

And finally, there's an unsettling elder scarecrow. —Mackenzie Schmidt, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024

Beyond its role as a 21st-century scarecrow, Monster Wolf stands as a symbol of adaptation in a world, offering a modern response to age-old challenges. —Anthony Trotter, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2023

At least on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 15 to Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly fall display of silly ghosts, scarecrows, fairy houses, pumpkins and more! —Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Sep. 2023

Kids can stuff scarecrows, paint pumpkins and birdhouses, and create their own art. —Adele Chapin, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2023

He was discovered 18 hours later by a bicyclist, who initially mistook him for a scarecrow. —Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2023

Try your hand at dipping candles and making marbles; create a corn husk doll; stuff a scarecrow; watch demonstrations of sheepdog herding, quilting and woodworking; go on a garden tour; take a hayride; or meet barnyard animals. —Adele Chapin, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2023

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