scribble
1[ skrib-uhl ]
/ ˈskrɪb əl /
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verb (used with object), scrib·bled, scrib·bling.
to write hastily or carelessly: to scribble a letter.
to cover with meaningless writing or marks: to scribble all over a page.
verb (used without object), scrib·bled, scrib·bling.
to write or draw in a hasty or careless way.
to make meaningless marks, scrolls, lines, etc., with a pencil, pen, or the like.
noun
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Origin of scribble
1First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English verb scriblen, scribul, from Medieval Latin scrībillāre “to scribble,” derivative of Latin scrībere “to write”; see also shrive
OTHER WORDS FROM scribble
scrib·bling·ly, adverbOther definitions for scribble (2 of 2)
scribble2
[ skrib-uhl ]
/ ˈskrɪb əl /
verb (used with object), scrib·bled, scrib·bling.
to tear apart (wool fibers) in the first stages of carding.
Origin of scribble
2First recorded in 1675–85; from Dutch schribbelen “to scratch”; cognate with schrobbelen “to card wool coarsely,” frequentative of schrobben to scrub1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use scribble in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for scribble (1 of 2)
scribble1
/ (ˈskrɪbəl) /
verb
to write or draw in a hasty or illegible manner
to make meaningless or illegible marks (on)
derogatory, or facetious to write poetry, novels, etc
noun
hasty careless writing or drawing
writing, esp literary matter, of poor quality
meaningless or illegible marks
Derived forms of scribble
scribbly, adjectiveWord Origin for scribble
C15: from Medieval Latin scrībillāre to write hastily, from Latin scrībere to write
British Dictionary definitions for scribble (2 of 2)
scribble2
/ (ˈskrɪbəl) /
verb
(tr) to card (wool, etc)
Word Origin for scribble
C17: probably from Low German; compare schrubben scrub 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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