scrawl

[ skrawl ]

verb (used with object)

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

   He scrawled his name hastily across the blackboard.

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

/ skrɔːl /

verb

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

noun

1. careless or scribbled writing, drawing, or marks

Derived Forms

• ˈscrawler, noun
• ˈscrawly, adjective

Other Words From

• un·scrawled adjective
• un·scrawling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrawl¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrawl¹

C17: perhaps a blend of sprawl and crawl ¹

Example Sentences

Artists would use pen names and scrawl them across subway cars, walls, shops, and office buildings.

From The Daily Beast

In the past, troops would scrawl notes and slap stickers in these last stops before warzones.

From The Daily Beast

I felt the power in my fingernails to brand the earth with my own scrawl.

From The Daily Beast

Around the edges in her own spidery scrawl she would ask how I was.

From The Daily Beast

She held it while the trooper bent over the strange scrawl, and ran his eyes along it to learn the context.

From Project Gutenberg

Reading, thanks to Sebastian's patience, he might make shift with; he could barely scrawl an awkward fist.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a veritable scrawl, madam, running something like this: 'I return your daughter to you.

From Project Gutenberg

The general will pardon this scrawl; and should he send an express after us, please to let Mrs. Pike know of the opportunity.

From Project Gutenberg

Being seated on the ground, 585 and writing on the back of a book, I hope will plead my excuse for this scrawl.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inscribe
• scribble