verb
scrabble
SKRA-buhl
Scrabble (verb) means to scratch or grope about hurriedly with the hands, especially in search of something. Example: “She scrabbled around in her bag for her keys.”
verb
1
To scratch or grope about hurriedly with the hands, especially in search of something.
"She scrabbled around in her bag for her keys."
"The dog scrabbled at the door to be let in."
name
1
A board game in which players build interlocking words from letter tiles to score points.
"They played Scrabble every Sunday evening."
How to use scrabble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo scratch or fumble about with your hands, or the popular word-tile board game.
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Word forms
- Plural
- scrabbles
- Third person singular
- scrabbles
- Past tense
- scrabbled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ around in her bag for her keys.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch schrabbelen, a repeated form of a verb meaning \"to scrape.\"
Synonyms
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Rhymes for scrabble
See all rhymes for scrabble →Frequently asked questions
What does “scrabble” mean?
The word “scrabble” means to scratch or grope about hurriedly with the hands, especially in search of something. In plain terms, to scratch or fumble about with your hands, or the popular word-tile board game.
How do you pronounce “scrabble”?
“Scrabble” is pronounced SKRA-buhl (/ˈskɹæbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scrabble” in a sentence?
Here is “scrabble” used in a sentence: “She scrabbled around in her bag for her keys.”
What part of speech is “scrabble”?
Depending on how it is used, “scrabble” can be a verb and a name.
Where does the word “scrabble” come from?
The word “scrabble” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch schrabbelen, a repeated form of a verb meaning \"to scrape.\".
How many meanings does “scrabble” have?
“Scrabble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to scratch or grope about hurriedly with the hands, especially in search of something.
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