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

If anyone can spin up a replica of your product in minutes, how will any young scrappy founder survive? — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 28 July 2026

Meanwhile, the film’s scrappy, tactile visual rewards are sometimes let down by a muddy sound mix. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 July 2026

It’s been a little more than a week since a stout, scrappy raccoon captured the internet's heart, and Jimothy mania is showing no signs of slowing down. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 25 July 2026

The original Rowdy Rooster, a slim storefront on a scrappy East Village block, closed earlier this year, menu fiddling notwithstanding. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 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