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

The jokes are still wildly scattershot and frequently, knowingly lame; the production is still cheap and cheerfully scrappy; the whole ragged enterprise is still reliant on the evident affection and chemistry between its players to hold it together. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

The series follows a group of scrappy theater kids who, when zombies attack their high school, realize that their only hope for survival is to put on the greatest musical of their lives. — Peter White, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Rizzotti, the scrappy point guard, is two years older and helped recruit Sales. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026

This patchwork quilt, known among quilters as a scrappy patchwork quilt or postage stamp quilt style, uses a lot of fabric prints and textures—from stripes and plaid to gingham and solids. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 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