handwriting

American  

[hand-rahy-ting] / ˈhændˌraɪ tɪŋ /

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.

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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.

handwriting British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of handwriting

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

Example Sentences

But the inept followers aside — and many of them are falling to the side — there are those who see the handwriting on the wall.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

At the time she didn’t know what was causing pain in her right leg and the intense itching on her arms, legs and torso — or why her handwriting had “gone funky.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Every detail of her Olympic visit was closely scrutinised, from the clothes she wore to the bag she was carrying and even her handwriting.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

He initially tried to explain the incorrect date by claiming someone had misread his handwriting.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

He holds up a piece of paper with purple handwriting, and the pieces click into place one at a time—the summer goals list Celia and Avery made.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

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