scrawl

American  

[skrawl] / skrɔl /

verb (used with object)

1. to write or draw in a sprawling, awkward manner.

   He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

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verb (used without object)

1. to write awkwardly, carelessly, or illegibly.

noun

1. awkward, careless, or illegible handwriting.

2. something scrawled, as a letter or a note.

scrawl British  

/ skrɔːl /

verb

1. to write or draw (signs, words, etc) carelessly or hastily; scribble

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noun

1. careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

Other Word Forms

• scrawler noun
• scrawly adjective
• unscrawled adjective
• unscrawling adjective

Etymology

Origin of scrawl

1605–15; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English scraule to sprawl, crawl (blend of sprawl and crawl ¹ )

Example Sentences

Managers can issue warnings to baristas who repeatedly write on customer cups ahead of time, scrawl something inappropriate or fail to use a Sharpie, according to internal guidance on the mandate to Starbucks stores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 20, 2025

The handwritten pink scrawl suggests a level of stress that is entirely understandable for the team putting on the biggest stadium tour of the year.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2025

Waters also had taggers scrawl words of geopolitical protest on the show’s inflatable pig, and a graffiti artist painted the soundman’s Rat insignia on one of its feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024

On a night in mid-January, Isla Lester, a server at the Greek restaurant, took a few moments between customers to scrawl out the letters K-A-Y-L-E-E in orange marker on the side of a fresh candle.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2023

He just sat there watching Natalie scrawl letters onto paper.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• inscribe
• scribble