scrubby

[ skruhb-ee ]

adjective

, scrub·bi·er, scrub·bi·est.

1. low or stunted, as trees.
2. consisting of or covered with scrub, stunted trees, etc.
3. undersized or inferior, as animals.
4. wretched; shabby.

scrubby

/ ˈskrʌbɪ /

adjective

1. covered with or consisting of scrub
2. (of trees or vegetation) stunted in growth
3. informal.
   messy

Derived Forms

• ˈscrubbiness, noun

Other Words From

• scrubbi·ly adverb
• scrubbi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrubby¹

First recorded in 1745–55; scrub ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

He found it “truly an exceptional sight,” but one located in “scrubby country,” something to be sketched and remembered, but “not really worth a second trip.”

From Washington Post

“What we’re seeing is developers are taking advantage of the fact that the big stuff and the scrubby stuff have been averaged together,” Badgley said.

From MIT Technology Review

There is one scrubby little orange kitten who is arguably the luckiest creature on Earth.

From The Daily Beast

Why has so much attention been given to this tiny, miserable village and its scrubby little patch of land?

From The Daily Beast

I pulled up and glanced about, but the clumps of scrubby timber were just plentiful enough to cut off a clear view of the flat.

From Project Gutenberg

The popping of dry, scrubby timber warned us that our position would soon be untenable.

From Project Gutenberg

Kangaroos and other animals were seldom or never found there: they abounded usually in the more scrubby country.

From Project Gutenberg

A scrubby looking white mare who was being shod turned her head and stared at Ebenezer and his small companion.

From Project Gutenberg

Just here the road crossed a ravine full of boulders and rough scrubby growth, whereas beyond it was bare and open.

From Project Gutenberg