scrabble

¹

[ skrab-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, scrab·bled, scrab·bling.

1. to scratch or scrape, as with the claws or hands.
2. to grapple or struggle with or as if with the claws or hands.
3. to scrawl; scribble.

verb (used without object)

, scrab·bled, scrab·bling.

1. to scratch or dig frantically with the hands; claw (often followed by at ):

   scrabbling at a locked door to escape the flames.

2. to jostle or struggle for possession of something; grab or collect something in a disorderly way; scramble.

noun

1. a scratching or scraping, as with the claws or hands.
2. a scrawled or scribbled writing.
3. a disorderly struggle for possession of something; scramble:

   After the fumble, there was a scrabble for the football.

Scrabble

²

[ skrab-uhl ]

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a game combining anagrams and crosswords in which two to four players use counters of various point values to form words on a playing board.

Scrabble

¹

/ ˈskræbəl /

noun

1. a board game in which words are formed by placing lettered tiles in a pattern similar to a crossword puzzle

scrabble

²

/ ˈskræbəl /

verb

1. intr; often foll by about or at to scrape (at) or grope (for), as with hands or claws
2. to struggle (with)
3. introften foll byfor to struggle to gain possession, esp in a disorderly manner
4. to scribble

noun

1. the act or an instance of scrabbling
2. a scribble
3. a disorderly struggle

Derived Forms

• ˈScrabbler, noun

Other Words From

• scrabbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrabble¹

1530–40; < Dutch schrabbelen to scratch, frequentative of schrabben to scrape

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrabble¹

C16: from Middle Dutch shrabbelen, frequentative of shrabben to scrape

Example Sentences

“That’s what I thought too, until I was playing Scrabble with Kat,” she said.

From Literature

This week, for the first time in its 75-plus year history, a new "collaborative" version of Scrabble was launched in an attempt to entice Generation Z players to the traditional word-making game.

From BBC

Mattel’s announcement was also accompanied by a survey that offered a glimpse into some of the ways British consumers have previously tackled classic Scrabble.

From Seattle Times

Mattel is to launch a new version of Scrabble which is designed to be more collaborative and accessible for those who find word games intimidating.

From BBC

An 83-year-old woman was duped out of more than £20,000 by a romance scammer she met while playing Scrabble online, police have said.

From BBC

Related Words

• scuffle
• skirmish