scribble

¹

[ skrib-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, scrib·bled, scrib·bling.

1. to write hastily or carelessly:

   to scribble a letter.

2. to cover with meaningless writing or marks:

   to scribble all over a page.

verb (used without object)

, scrib·bled, scrib·bling.

1. to write or draw in a hasty or careless way.
2. to make meaningless marks, scrolls, lines, etc., with a pencil, pen, or the like.

noun

1. a note or other writing that has little or no meaning.
2. a hasty or careless drawing or piece of writing.
3. handwriting, especially when illegible.

scribble

²

[ skrib-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, scrib·bled, scrib·bling.

1. to tear apart (wool fibers) in the first stages of carding.

scribble

¹

/ ˈskrɪbəl /

verb

1. to write or draw in a hasty or illegible manner
2. to make meaningless or illegible marks (on)
3. derogatory.
   to write poetry, novels, etc

noun

1. hasty careless writing or drawing
2. writing, esp literary matter, of poor quality
3. meaningless or illegible marks

scribble

²

/ ˈskrɪbəl /

verb

1. tr to card (wool, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈscribbly, adjective

Other Words From

• scrib·bling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scribble¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English verb scriblen, scribul, from Medieval Latin scrībillāre “to scribble,” derivative of Latin scrībere “to write”; shrive

Origin of scribble²

First recorded in 1675–85; from Dutch schribbelen “to scratch”; cognate with schrobbelen “to card wool coarsely,” frequentative of schrobben to scrub ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of scribble¹

C15: from Medieval Latin scrībillāre to write hastily, from Latin scrībere to write

Origin of scribble²

C17: probably from Low German; compare schrubben scrub ¹

Example Sentences

Behind them, a further three rows were also packed with lawyers, tapping on laptops and scribbling in notebooks.

From BBC

The shows were then broadcast live, with producers creeping in and scribbling alterations on scripts, moments before she read them.

From BBC

The executive scribbled a few phrases — “Welcome,” “You’ve got mail,” “Files done” and “Goodbye” — onto a Post-it note and handed them to Karen, who promised recordings by the next day.

From Los Angeles Times

From the start, Solis had pleaded for help and medication, his scribbled notes show: “I am not well. Please help me before things worsen,” one read.

From Los Angeles Times

Local elementary schools serve their students Ohtani-themed lunches, including menu items like toast with “Dodgers 17” scribbled in blueberry jam.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• jot
• scratch
• scrawl