Scribble: meaning, definitions and examples

When writing something quickly and carelessly, often when in a hurry or taking informal notes.

• She scribbled a quick note before leaving the office.
• His desk was covered in papers with random scribbles.

Writing something in an untidy or messy way, often making it difficult to read. It can have a negative connotation.

• The doctor's scrawl was hard to decipher.
• He scrawled his name on the form.

Writing down brief notes or a quick snapshot of information, typically concise and to the point.

• Let me jot down your phone number.
• I jotted a reminder on the calendar.

Drawing or sketching absentmindedly, often done when bored or to pass the time.

• He doodled in his notebook during the long meeting.
• Her notebook was filled with doodles of flowers and stars.

Scribble is often used when referring to quickly writing or drawing something in a messy or chaotic manner. It can apply to both text and images.

• Children love to scribble on paper
• He scribbled down the phone number in a hurry

Scrawl describes writing that is very untidy and often difficult to read. This term usually carries a negative connotation.

• His handwriting looked like a scrawl on the paper
• The doctor scrawled his notes in the patient's chart

Doodle refers to drawing small, random pictures or designs, often created absentmindedly while thinking about something else or during a meeting or a phone call.

• She loves to doodle in her notebook during long meetings
• While on the phone, he doodled little stars and circles on the notepad

Jot is used when you need to quickly write down short notes or information, typically a few words or a brief sentence.

• Please jot down your ideas so we can discuss them later
• He jotted a quick reminder in his planner