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 company’s first raise in January 2016 was typical of the early, scrappy years of Israel’s tech startup scene. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

On defense, Ejiro Evero’s unit remains scrappy, led by Derrick Brown upfront and Jaycee Horn in the secondary—though depth along the pass rush remains a slight concern if injuries strike. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

This was more of the scrappy variety as Leng didn’t make a birdie until the par-3 10th hole and made only two for the round. — Mercury News Staff, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

This was more of the scrappy variety as Leng didn't make a birdie until the par-3 10th hole and made only two for the round. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 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