handwriting

American  

[hand-rahy-ting] / ˈhændˌraɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. writing done with a pen or pencil in the hand; script.

2. a style or manner of writing by hand, especially that which characterizes a particular person; penmanship.

   an eccentric handwriting.

3. a handwritten document; manuscript.

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idioms

1. handwriting on the wall, a premonition, portent, or clear indication, especially of failure or disaster: Also writing on the wall.

   The company had ignored the handwriting on the wall and was plunged into bankruptcy.

handwriting British  

/ ˈhændˌraɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. writing by hand rather than by typing or printing

2. a person's characteristic writing style

   that signature is in my handwriting

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Etymology

Origin of handwriting

1375–1425; late Middle English hand writyng; hand + writing

Example Sentences

As more of my classes required in-person essays, handwriting became an unexpected advantage.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the request, the New York FBI asks for a handwriting analysis of the letter, though the results are unknown.

From Salon

He said when he asked around, he was told by other people that the handwriting was Woodhouse's.

From BBC

The act of handwriting helps him commit things to memory.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You are smart and kind,” she wrote in pencil, the handwriting surrounded by crayon hearts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• calligraphy
• longhand
• manuscript
• scrawl
• script
• writing