scrawl

American  

[skrawl] / skrɔl /

verb (used with object)

1. to write or draw in a sprawling, awkward manner.

   He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

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verb (used without object)

1. to write awkwardly, carelessly, or illegibly.

noun

1. awkward, careless, or illegible handwriting.

2. something scrawled, as a letter or a note.

scrawl British  

/ skrɔːl /

verb

1. to write or draw (signs, words, etc) carelessly or hastily; scribble

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noun

1. careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

Other Word Forms

• scrawler noun
• scrawly adjective
• unscrawled adjective
• unscrawling adjective

Etymology

Origin of scrawl

1605–15; perhaps to be identified with late Middle English scraule to sprawl, crawl (blend of sprawl and crawl ¹ )

Example Sentences

A menu board near the order window is covered in scrawls of rainbow chalk.

From Literature

The doctor sat down at her table and scrawled something on a piece of paper.

From Literature

In an early episode, protagonist Sophie finds a tip her missing sister scrawled on a container of Golden Pear body scrub that viewers can conveniently buy on the show’s microsite.

From The Wall Street Journal

One bright red poster read “Bring Buffy Back!!” scrawled in black ink.

From Los Angeles Times

Irene stood on the landing outside the bathroom, shock scrawled across her face.

From Literature

Related Words

• inscribe
• scribble