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Synonyms

scribbler

1 American  
[skrib-ler] / ˈskrɪb lər /

noun

  1. a writer whose work has little or no value or importance.

  2. a person who scribbles.


scribbler 2 American  
[skrib-ler] / ˈskrɪb lər /

noun

  1. a machine for scribbling wool fibers.


scribbler British  
/ ˈskrɪblə /

noun

  1. derogatory a writer of poetry, novels, journalism, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of scribbler1

First recorded in 1545–55; scribble 1 + -er 1

Origin of scribbler2

First recorded in 1675–85; scribble 2 + -er 1

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.

See Examples For:

On the final page of “The Snakes That Ate Florida,” Mr. Frazier invokes another great scribbler, E.B.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026

Martin grew up into a comic novelist and a prolific periodical scribbler, just like dad.

From New York Times ● May 22, 2023

One was chaotic and constantly bickering: Natalie Lee, the mellow yet goofy consultant whose love language is sarcasm, and Shayne Jansen, an extremely energetic real estate agent/notebook scribbler who covets validation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2022

WSG Artistic Director Bill Largess turns in a particularly creaky performance as Sims, a world-famous scribbler who is in Hollywood to contribute to a movie adaptation of his work.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 20, 2018

Billie, a most ardent scribbler, had been drawn into the procession of short-story fiends by her dear friend Thelma Larson, who was destined to become famous as a writer of fiction.

From Molly Brown's College Friends by Nell Speed

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