scrabbly

[ skrab-lee ]

adjective

, scrab·bli·er, scrab·bli·est.

1. insignificantly small or sparse:

   scrabbly tufts of grass sprouting from the parched lawn.

2. scratchy; raspy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrabbly¹

First recorded in 1940–45; scrabble + -y ¹

Example Sentences

I wrote you a scrabbly note from Ravenna a few days since—but I must follow it up, without delay, with something better.

From Project Gutenberg