verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

scramble

SKRAMBL

Scramble (verb) means to move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground. Example: “They scrambled up the rocky slope to reach the summit.”

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

Word forms

scrambled past tense, scrambles plural, scrambles singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They _____ up the rocky slope to reach the summit.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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beat struggle shin scurry jumble scuffle scamper skin shinny clamber sputter throw together

Related words

hit police fight round fall attack beat surface

Rhymes for scramble

amble gamble ramble preamble unscramble

See all rhymes for scramble →

Frequently asked questions

What does “scramble” mean?

The word “scramble” means to move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground. In plain terms, to move or act hurriedly and awkwardly, to cook eggs by stirring them, or a chaotic rush.

How do you pronounce “scramble”?

“Scramble” is pronounced SKRAMBL (/ˈskɹæmbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “scramble” in a sentence?

Here is “scramble” used in a sentence: “They scrambled up the rocky slope to reach the summit.”

What part of speech is “scramble”?

Depending on how it is used, “scramble” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “scramble” a common word?

“Scramble” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “scramble” have?

“Scramble” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground.

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