scrawl

American  

[skrawl] / skrɔl /

verb (used with object)

1. to write or draw in a sprawling, awkward manner.

   He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

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verb (used without object)

1. to write awkwardly, carelessly, or illegibly.

noun

1. awkward, careless, or illegible handwriting.

2. something scrawled, as a letter or a note.

scrawl British  

/ skrɔːl /

verb

1. to write or draw (signs, words, etc) carelessly or hastily; scribble

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noun

1. careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

Other Word Forms

• scrawler noun
• scrawly adjective
• unscrawled adjective
• unscrawling adjective

Etymology

Origin of scrawl

1605–15; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English scraule to sprawl, crawl (blend of sprawl and crawl ¹ )

Example Sentences

Four years earlier, he scrawled a crude joke about the dean in the men's toilet; he has failed every exam since.

From BBC

On the wrist straps are Street’s initials, scrawled in marker.

From Los Angeles Times

Travis largely keeps his own counsel except when he scrawls in his journal, excerpts from which Mr. De Niro reads in voiceover.

From The Wall Street Journal

The other wall had a giant rainbow-colored papier-mâché hand, its pointer finger sticking straight out and beneath it the words You Belong scrawled in loopy neon letters.

From Literature

On a notebook with “BE BEST” letterhead, Melania scrawls, “No phones.”

From Salon

Related Words

• inscribe
• scribble