scrawl
verb (used with object)
to write or draw in a sprawling, awkward manner.
scrawling
-
present participleof scrawl.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
She says she turned to an empty notebook, and began word doodling — scrawling random words, going wherever her pen took her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026
Earlier this year, Meta announced a multibillion-dollar cable project named Waterworth, which will connect the U.S. to South Africa, India and Australia, scrawling a 31,000-mile letter W on the face of the planet.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 2, 2025
He’d been accused of scrawling “No to war!” on a building.
From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2024
The officers whose cameras captured the footage were involved in arresting the four on Jan. 1, 2021, for allegedly scrawling slogans such as “peaceful protest” and “BLM” on precinct walls with sidewalk chalk and charcoal.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 13, 2023
Moments later the two of them were in Mr. Curtain’s office, poring over a chart of Morse code, hastily scrawling a transcription of the distant honks.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
