Scribble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scribble

[ˈskrɪbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

art

Write or draw in a hurried, careless way.

Synonyms

doodle, jot, scrawl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scribble	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.
scrawl	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.
jot	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.
doodle	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.

Examples of usage

He scribbled a quick sketch of the landscape.
She scribbled down some notes during the lecture.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

writing

A piece of writing or a drawing done in a hasty or careless way.

Synonyms

doodle, jot, scrawl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scribble	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	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	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	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

Examples of usage

His notebook was full of little scribbles and doodles.
The artist's canvases were covered in colorful scribbles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'scribble'

The word 'scribble' originated from the Middle English word 'scriblen', which is believed to have come from the Old Norse word 'skrjbla', meaning 'to scribble or write carelessly'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,989, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27986 longingly
27987 glum
27988 meanly
27989 scribble
27990 misappropriated
27991 determiner
27992 insidiously
...