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

At the time she didn’t know what was causing pain in her right leg and the intense itching on her arms, legs and torso — or why her handwriting had “gone funky.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The Scandinavian country launched a national "digitalisation" strategy for nursery, primary and middle schools in 2017 that saw tablets and laptops replace many textbooks and handwriting.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

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

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

Everything was printed in Fred’s tiny, precise handwriting.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

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