Scrawl: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when writing something quickly and carelessly, often making it difficult to read. It usually has a negative connotation, implying untidy or rushed writing.

• He scrawled his name at the bottom of the form.
• Her address was scrawled on a piece of torn paper.

Used when writing or drawing something quickly and without care or when it is difficult to read. Often associated with children or informal notes and can have a playful or neutral connotation.

• The toddler loves to scribble on the walls.
• I just scribbled a quick note to remind myself.

Refers to making marks or lines by scraping or scratching a surface, often with something sharp or pointed. Can also mean to write something quickly and informally but is often more associated with the physical act of scratching.

• She scratched a heart into the tree trunk.
• The cat scratched at the door until I let it in.

Used when referring to hurried or messy writing with little attention to neatness.

• His signature was just a quick scrawl at the bottom of the page.
• The note was a barely readable scrawl.

Appropriate when referring to writing or drawing quickly and carelessly, often by children or when taking hurried notes.

• The child loved to scribble with crayons on the paper.
• I had to scribble down the phone number quickly before I forgot it.

Commonly used to describe writing or drawing that is done with very little care or skill, often with something sharp.

• She scratched her name into the bark of the tree.
• The message was scratched onto the bathroom stall door.