scarecrow

American  

[skair-kroh] / ˈskɛərˌkroʊ /

noun

1. an object, usually a figure of a person in old clothes, set up to frighten crows crow or other birds away from crops.

2. anything frightening but not really dangerous.

3. a person in ragged clothes.

4. an extremely thin person.

---

scarecrow British  

/ ˈskɛəˌkrəʊ /

noun

1. an object, usually in the shape of a man, made out of sticks and old clothes to scare birds away from crops

2. a person or thing that appears frightening but is not actually harmful

3. informal

   1. an untidy-looking person

   2. a very thin person

---

Other Word Forms

• scarecrowish adjective
• scarecrowy adjective

Etymology

Origin of scarecrow

First recorded in 1545–55; scare + crow ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Plemons, who has slimmed down to scarecrow dimensions to suit a character who has renounced all worldly pleasures, is one of those rare actors who never seem to be acting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

Earlier in the telecast, Roan took the stage along with her entourage of western clowns and scarecrow dancers for a performance of “Pink Pony Club,” her anthem celebrating queer nightlife in West Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2025

The researchers focused on two key regulators of cell division in Arabidopsis -- proteins called short-root and scarecrow that, together, prompt dividing root cells to make the switch.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2024

There was still a “For Sale” sign posted on a weather-beaten and leafless tree that resembled a scarecrow warning people to stay away.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2023

“So you’re here,” the scarecrow says, as if he knows me and has been waiting for me to arrive.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• spectacle