scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

scrap·​py ˈskra-pē How to pronounce scrappy (audio)
scrappier; scrappiest
: consisting of scraps
scrappy meals

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

scrappier; scrappiest
1
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit : feisty

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Red-hot Canada will take on scrappy and confident Guatemala in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 The creator economy is no longer a scrappy side hustle or a chaotic collection of one-person operations filming videos in basements. Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 One Cut of the Dead is a joyful, exuberant (and fittingly scrappy) celebration of zombie movie-makers. James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025 Olli Jokinen’s jersey made an appearance, his name and number a nod to earlier, scrappier days. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrappy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrappy was in 1837

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrappy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

scrappy

adjective
scrap·​py
ˈskrap-ē
scrappier; scrappiest
1
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit
scrappiness noun
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