Scribble

/ˈskrɪb.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a piece of writing or drawing that is messy, hasty, or illegible.
The child handed me a scribble that looked like a house.
a hasty or careless piece of writing.
Her scribble on the back of the envelope was barely readable.
verb
to write or draw carelessly and not clearly.
She scribbled a note to herself during the meeting.
to write in a hurried or careless way.
He scribbled down the phone number before it slipped his mind.

Etymology

The word 'scribble' comes from the Latin 'scribere', meaning 'to write'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Scribble away:
To write or draw in a carefree or uninhibited manner.
Scribble something down:
To write something hastily.
Scribbles on the side:
Notes or drawings made on the margins or edges.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To write illegibly.
Stop scribbling! I can't read your notes.
To make a hasty or messy note.
I just scribbled my grocery list on a napkin.