scrabble
verb (used with object)
to scratch or scrape, as with the claws or hands.
scrabbled
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past participleof scrabble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof scrabble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
scrabbleverb (used with object)to scratch or scrape, as with the claws or hands.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As she scrabbled for a laser pointer in her large handbag, her coloratura was comically on point, though she was inaudible in her middle range during the cabaletta.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2025
In the second half, Roper hit the ball into the bottom-right corner on the run, before he scrabbled to get the ball across the line to put England 5-3 up.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2022
A dog’s scrabbled paw prints, a bobcat at best.
From Slate ● Jun. 19, 2018
Using picks, shovels and hands, they scrabbled through the dust and debris of crumbled homes.
From New York Times ● Aug. 24, 2016
Frantically he scrabbled about, trying to find a way out.
From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary
