verb

scramble

SKRAMBL

verb

To move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground.

"They scrambled up the rocky slope to reach the summit."

"He scrambled to catch the last train."

To mix eggs and cook them while stirring so they set in soft curds.

"She scrambled two eggs for breakfast."

To rush aircraft or personnel into action quickly in response to an emergency.

"Fighter jets were scrambled after the radar contact."

noun

A disorderly rush or struggle, especially to get or reach something.

"There was a scramble for seats when the doors opened."

How to Use Scramble

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo move or act hurriedly and awkwardly, to cook eggs by stirring them, or a chaotic rush.

Common pairings

scramble up scramble for something scrambled eggs scramble jets

scrambled past tense, scrambles plural, scrambles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

They _____ up the rocky slope to reach the summit.

Origin uncertain, though it likely comes from a dialect word meaning \"to rake or scrape together with the hands,\" possibly related to scrabble.

gamble ramble