scrubby

adjective

scrub·​by ˈskrə-bē How to pronounce scrubby (audio)
scrubbier; scrubbiest
1
: inferior in size or quality : stunted
scrubby cattle
2
: covered with or consisting of scrub
3

Examples of scrubby in a Sentence

changed into an old flannel shirt and a scrubby pair of jeans to clean out the garage
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.
Enjoy a Florida-style expedition at the 1,322-acre Micro Scrub Sanctuary, a natural scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods habitat that includes miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 Arnolds Field landfill, just half a mile from Claridge’s home in Rainham, is an undulating swatch of scrubby land spanning roughly 40 acres. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 The exfoliating solution also features pore-clearing salicylic acid and soothing witch hazel, all infused in a very scrubby, textured pad. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025 The forests will be scrubbier and more open. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for scrubby

Word History

Etymology

scrub entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrubby was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrubby. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

scrubby

adjective
scrub·​by ˈskrəb-ē How to pronounce scrubby (audio)
scrubbier; scrubbiest
1
: of small size or poor quality : stunted
scrubby cattle
2
: covered with or consisting of scrub
a scrubby hill

More from Merriam-Webster on scrubby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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