scabby

[ skab-ee ]

adjective

, scab·bi·er, scab·bi·est.

1. covered with scabs; having many scabs.
2. consisting of scabs.
3. (of an animal or plant) having scab.
4. Informal. mean or contemptible:

   a scabby trick.

scabby

/ ˈskæbɪ /

adjective

1. pathol having an area of the skin covered with scabs
2. obsolete.
   pathol having scabies
3. informal.
   despicable

Derived Forms

• ˈscabbily, adverb
• ˈscabbiness, noun

Other Words From

• scabbi·ly adverb
• scabbi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scabby¹

First recorded in 1520–30; scab + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Something is genuinely off about the goings-on at the conference, from strange deaths and elevators that suddenly aren’t elevators, to a rash of scabby infections afflicting guests and the discovery of a subterranean tunnel.

From Los Angeles Times

"My daughter has a rash across her leg, which is scabby and itchy, and my eldest has anxiety and worries constantly about the mould."

From BBC

Their life together is tinged with the absence of Lily’s mother, who only occasionally appears, thin-armed and scabby.

From Los Angeles Times

I grew up 3 ½ blocks from Volunteer Park Cafe, back when that side of Capitol Hill was distinctly less fancy, with scabby lawns and millions of kids from the Catholic families that largely occupied the un-redone huge, old houses.

From Seattle Times

I was already dressed up in my zombie costume—Calista had even put some gross scabby makeup on my face before she went home—and I knew I sounded like a baby, but I didn’t care.

From Literature