English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

scribble

SKRIH-buhl

Scribble (verb) means to write or draw quickly and carelessly. Example: “She scribbled her phone number on a napkin.”

verb
1
To write or draw quickly and carelessly.
"She scribbled her phone number on a napkin."
"He scribbled notes throughout the meeting."
noun
1
Hasty, careless writing or drawing.
"I could barely read the scribble on the whiteboard."

How to use scribble

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo write or draw quickly and messily, or the messy result itself.

Common pairings
scribble a note illegible scribble scribble down

Word forms

scribbled past tense, scribbled past tense, scribbles plural, scribbles singular, scribbles singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “scribble” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ her phone number on a napkin.

Etymology

From Middle English scribblen, built on "scribe" (to write) plus a frequentative ending suggesting repeated, quick action.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for scribble

See all rhymes for scribble →

Frequently asked questions

What does “scribble” mean?

The word “scribble” means to write or draw quickly and carelessly. In plain terms, to write or draw quickly and messily, or the messy result itself.

How do you pronounce “scribble”?

“Scribble” is pronounced SKRIH-buhl (/ˈskɹɪbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “scribble” in a sentence?

Here is “scribble” used in a sentence: “She scribbled her phone number on a napkin.”

What part of speech is “scribble”?

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

Where does the word “scribble” come from?

The word “scribble” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scribblen, built on "scribe" (to write) plus a frequentative ending suggesting repeated, quick action.

How many meanings does “scribble” have?

“Scribble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to write or draw quickly and carelessly.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial