scrappy

1
[ skrap-ee ]
See synonyms for: scrappyscrappiness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,scrap·pi·er, scrap·pi·est.
  1. made up of scraps or of odds and ends; fragmentary; disconnected.

Origin of scrappy

1
First recorded in 1830–40; scrap1 + -y1

Other words from scrappy

  • scrap·pi·ly, adverb
  • scrap·pi·ness, noun

Words Nearby scrappy

Other definitions for scrappy (2 of 2)

scrappy2
[ skrap-ee ]

adjective,scrap·pi·er, scrap·pi·est.
  1. inclined to fight, argue, or compete; aggressive: Badgers are such scrappy fighters that coyotes will team up with them out of fear of being eaten by them. Having to defend itself against a giant corporation gave the new company a reputation as a scrappy contender.

  2. having or showing spirit and determination, especially in spite of obstacles: This era formed dozens of legends—strong-willed, scrappy survivors whose faith in their cause was unshakable.

Origin of scrappy

2
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; scrap2 + -y1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use scrappy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scrappy (1 of 2)

scrappy1

/ (ˈskræpɪ) /


adjective-pier or -piest
  1. fragmentary; disjointed

Derived forms of scrappy

  • scrappily, adverb
  • scrappiness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for scrappy (2 of 2)

scrappy2

/ (ˈskræpɪ) /


adjective-pier or -piest
  1. informal pugnacious

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012