scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

scrap·​py ˈskra-pē 

scrappier; scrappiest

: consisting of scraps

scrappy meals

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

scrappier; scrappiest

1

: quarrelsome

2

: having an aggressive and determined spirit : feisty

Synonyms of scrappy

Adjective (2)

• aggressive
• militant
• hostile
• feisty
• contentious

Examples of scrappy in a Sentence

Adjective (2)

she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size

a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Eventually, leagues moved online so that computers could do the math, but the scrappy ethos remained. — New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

The director was originally concerned the scrappy little show with a cast of five wouldn’t play as well in larger houses. — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Anthony fits the mold pretty well as a scrappy, low to the ground, eat-up some blocks type of guy. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

But acts like this work best when there’s a discernable back-and-forth—think Starlito’s deadpan baritone next to Don Trip’s sandpaper yawp, or Method Man’s sultry bruiser clearing the way for Redman’s scrappy smart-ass routine. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scrappy

• chappie
• happy
• nappy
• pappy
• sappy
• snappy
• unhappy

Kids Definition

scrappy

adjective

scrap·​py

ˈskrap-ē

scrappier; scrappiest

1

: quarrelsome

2

: having an aggressive and determined spirit

scrappiness noun