scribble
1[ skrib-uhl ]
/ ˈskrɪb əl /
Save This Word!
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
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of scribble
11425–75; late Middle English scribblen (v.) <Medieval Latin scrībillāre to scribble, derivative of Latin scrībere to write; see 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
21675–85; <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. 2022
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012