scoundrel

noun

scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a disreputable person : rascal
scoundrel adjective
scoundrelly adjective

Examples of scoundrel in a Sentence

some scoundrel stole my wallet
Recent Examples on the Web These scoundrels are part of our founding story, too. Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar. 2024 Because people are fundamentally good and stealing from special needs kids is glaringly bad, Miracle League of North Oakland has already received far more in donations and good wishes than the scoundrel took. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 11 Jan. 2024 My annual Worst Biopharma CEO list is typically populated with blockheads and scoundrels. Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 19 Dec. 2023 This is not a permission slip to act as bellicose jerks or hypocritical scoundrels. Andrew T. Walker, National Review, 31 Dec. 2023 The film presents the France of the Revolution and the Empire as an unfortunate episode of a country in the hands of a people of bloodthirsty and ill-mannered scoundrels. Zenger News, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Its dramatis personae includes that paragon of English manhood, Ben Avery, the likable scoundrel Colonel Blood and, not least, Sheba, the ultrasexy pirate queen who, anachronistically, favors Gucci thigh-high boots. Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 As the sun set and the crowd applauded, Mr. Buffett had an epiphany that this tropical paradise, with its scoundrels, literary lights, smugglers and fishermen, would be home as well as endlessly fertile ground for songwriting material. Glenn Rifkin, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2023 The Adversary’s themes and preoccupations have the narrative potential to cast a light upon the everyday scoundrels seeking re-election on our television screens, across all devices and platforms. Hazlitt, 27 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scoundrel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoundrel was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near scoundrel

Cite this Entry

“Scoundrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoundrel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scoundrel

noun
scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a mean or wicked person : villain
scoundrelly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scoundrel

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