scrawl

[ skrawl ]

verb (used with object)

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

   He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

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

/ skrɔːl /

verb

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

noun

1. careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

Derived Forms

• ˈscrawler, noun
• ˈscrawly, adjective

Other Words From

• un·scrawled adjective
• un·scrawling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrawl¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrawl¹

C17: perhaps a blend of sprawl and crawl ¹

Example Sentences

In February, a crowds swarmed a Waymo car in San Francisco’s Chinatown, scrawling graffiti, smashing windows and setting the vehicle on fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the messages scrawled on the interior walls is an expletive and “Osama!”

From Los Angeles Times

Paint and etchings, including two names - Shal and Noah - were left scrawled on the walls and floor of Robin’s Hood Cave on Stanage Edge, near Hope Valley.

From BBC

A dilapidated barn where trapped kids once scrawled messages like “73 days more.”

From Los Angeles Times

During her women’s 4×100-meter gold medal win on Friday, the athlete had the words “I’m not back. I’m better,” scrawled in her handwriting on her nails.

From Salon

Related Words

• inscribe
• scribble