Meaning & Definition of word "Scrabble"

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    Scrabble

    /ˈskrӕbəl/

    noun:

    • 1. A game played with lettered tiles where players build words on a game board.
      • Example: We spent the evening playing Scrabble and challenging each other's vocabulary.
    • 2. A hurried or confused struggle.
      • Example: There was a scrabble for the last remaining tickets to the concert.

    verb:

    • 1. To move or scrape with the hands or claws in search of something.
      • Example: The dog began to scrabble at the door to be let outside.
    • 2. To struggle or grapple in a clumsy way.
      • Example: They started to scrabble over the last piece of cake at the party.
    • 3. To write or draw carelessly.
      • Example: She used a crayon to scrabble a quick note on the napkin.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'scrablen', related to the word 'scrab' which means to scratch.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    scrabble for something:

    To clumsily search for or try to obtain something.

    scrabble together:

    To piece together or assemble from various parts.

    scrabble in the dirt:

    To dig or search around chaotically.

    Related Words

    scramble:

    To move hurriedly and clumsily.

    rummage:

    To search for something in a hurried way.

    Slang Meanings of scrabble

    Meaning: To hastily collect items or information.

    Example Sentence: I had to scrabble together a few notes before the meeting.

    Meaning: To search for something in a disorganized way.

    Example Sentence: He was scrabbling around the kitchen for a snack.