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

She inked the sticks with dates in her spiky handwriting, biting her tongue in concentration.

From Literature

The sheet is filled with trigonometry problems in my handwriting and answers in his.

From Literature

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

There is an envelope with my name, Hank Hooperman, in my mom’s curlicue handwriting with hearts above the o’s.

From Literature

She thinks all her thoughts out loud, gets frustrated even faster than I do, and goes through at least six pieces of scrap paper with her huge, messy handwriting.

From Literature

Related Words

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