First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
scribble
verb scrib·ble \ˈskri-bəl\
: to write (something) quickly and in a way that makes it difficult to read
: to draw lines, shapes, etc., that have no particular meaning in a quick and careless way
scrib·bledscrib·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of SCRIBBLE
transitive verb
1
: to write hastily or carelessly without regard to legibility or form
2
: to cover with careless or worthless writings or drawings
intransitive verb
: to write or draw hastily and carelessly
— scribble noun
See scribble defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SCRIBBLE
Middle English scriblen, from Medieval Latin scribillare, from Latin scribere to write
SCRIBBLE Defined for Kids
1scribble
verb scrib·ble \ˈskri-bəl\
scrib·bledscrib·bling
Definition of SCRIBBLE for Kids
: to write quickly or carelessly
— scrib·bler \ˈskri-blər\ noun
Word Root of SCRIBBLE
The Latin word scribere, meaning “to write,” and its form scriptus give us the roots scrib and script. Words from the Latin scribere have something to do with writing. To scribble is to write quickly or carelessly. To describe is to write or tell about something or someone. A manuscript is a document written by hand. To transcribe is to write down something spoken or copy something written.
2scribble
noun
Definition of SCRIBBLE for Kids
: something written quickly or carelessly
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