Scrabble

/ˈskrӕbəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A game played with lettered tiles where players build words on a game board.
We spent the evening playing Scrabble and challenging each other's vocabulary.
A hurried or confused struggle.
There was a scrabble for the last remaining tickets to the concert.
verb
To move or scrape with the hands or claws in search of something.
The dog began to scrabble at the door to be let outside.
To struggle or grapple in a clumsy way.
They started to scrabble over the last piece of cake at the party.
To write or draw carelessly.
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

To hastily collect items or information.
I had to scrabble together a few notes before the meeting.
To search for something in a disorganized way.
He was scrabbling around the kitchen for a snack.