handwriting

[ hand-rahy-ting ]

noun

1. writing done with a pen or pencil in the hand; script.
2. a style or manner of writing by hand, especially that which characterizes a particular person; penmanship:

   an eccentric handwriting.

3. a handwritten document; manuscript.

handwriting

/ ˈhændˌraɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. writing by hand rather than by typing or printing
2. a person's characteristic writing style

   that signature is in my handwriting

Word History and Origins

Origin of handwriting¹

1375–1425; late Middle English hand writyng; hand + writing

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. handwriting on the wall, a premonition, portent, or clear indication, especially of failure or disaster: Also writing on the wall.

   The company had ignored the handwriting on the wall and was plunged into bankruptcy.

Example Sentences

It is not signed by Chopin, but the handwriting includes his distinctive bass clef.

From BBC

For Definitely Maybe, there would be one much more personal touch - handwriting its title to tie in with the informal feel of the sleeve.

From BBC

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

Dr Harvey's team has found some workarounds, such as reverting to issuing prescriptions "the old fashioned way" - on paper - despite this requiring them "getting to grips with our handwriting".

From BBC

For the first time in many years, a teacher was correcting my handwriting.

From New York Times

Related Words

• calligraphy
• longhand
• manuscript
• scrawl
• script
• writing