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Scribbles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scribbles

[ˈskrɪbəlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in art

Rough drawings or sketches, especially done quickly and without much detail.

Synonyms

doodles, drawings, sketches.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scribbles

Used when referring to random, hasty, or illegible writing or drawing, usually by children or when someone is in a hurry.

  • The child covered the walls with colorful scribbles
  • His notes on the margin of the book were just messy scribbles
doodles

Refers to simple, spontaneous drawings made absentmindedly, often while thinking or being preoccupied. Commonly seen in the margins of notebooks during meetings or lectures.

  • She filled her notebook with little doodles while daydreaming in class
  • His doodles of flowers were scattered throughout his diary
sketches

Refers to quick, rough drawings done to capture the basic elements or initial ideas of a subject. Commonly used by artists to plan their work or by designers in brainstorming sessions.

  • The artist made several sketches before beginning the painting
  • Her sketches of the city's skyline were captivating
drawings

Indicates more intentional and often more detailed or artistic renderings. Drawings can be done for various purposes, including art, planning, or technical illustrations.

  • The gallery exhibited several impressive drawings by local artists
  • He showed me his detailed drawings of the new building

Examples of usage

  • He made some scribbles in his notebook during the meeting.
  • The artist's studio was filled with scribbles on scraps of paper.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To write or draw quickly or carelessly.

Synonyms

jot down, pen quickly, scrawl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scribbles

Used when referring to careless, messy or illegible writing, often by children or when someone is in a hurry.

  • The child's notebook was full of colorful scribbles
  • Trying to catch the important points, he just made some quick scribbles in his notepad
scrawl

Refers to writing that is quickly and carelessly written, often hard to read. It has a negative connotation.

  • He scrawled his name on the sheet before rushing out the door
  • The letter was scrawled hastily, making it difficult to decipher the message
jot down

Commonly used when quickly writing down notes or information, usually in an organized manner.

  • She always carries a notebook to jot down her ideas
  • During the meeting, he jotted down the main topics discussed
pen quickly

Used when someone is writing something fast, indicating speed but not necessarily the quality of writing.

  • As the thoughts came to her mind, she began to pen quickly
  • The reporter had to pen quickly to meet the deadline for the article

Examples of usage

  • She scribbled her phone number on a napkin.
  • The child scribbled all over the walls with crayons.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Scribbling is often the first form of art for children, showing their creativity before they learn to form actual letters.
  • Famous artist Jean-Michel Basquiat used scribbling in his artworks to represent the chaos of urban life.
  • In the 20th century, abstract expressionists used scribbles as a way to express their emotions on canvas.

Child Development

  • Scribbling helps young children develop fine motor skills as they learn to control a writing tool.
  • Researchers note that children who scribble often show higher levels of creativity and imagination.
  • Parents can encourage a child’s development by providing various materials for scribbling, like crayons and markers.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that doodling can improve memory retention and concentration, helping the brain stay engaged during lectures.
  • Scribbling is viewed as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate emotions they can't put into words.
  • Certain types of spontaneous drawings, including scribbles, have been linked to the Freudian interpretation of subconscious thoughts.

Education

  • In early childhood education, teachers often encourage scribbling as a way to bridge to more structured writing skills.
  • Some educational approaches, like 'emergent writing', view scribbles as important steps in the writing process.
  • Writing and drawing in combination (like scribbling) can help children understand stories better and express their understanding.

Technology

  • Digital tools allow users to create virtual scribbles, blending traditional art with modern technology, like on tablets.
  • Programming languages often have 'scribble' functions that allow coders to write quick notes within their code.
  • Apps that encourage scribbling and drawing are popular among children, promoting creativity in a digital format.

Origin of 'scribbles'

The word 'scribbles' originated from the Middle English word 'scriblen', which meant 'to write or draw carelessly'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to rough drawings or sketches, especially done quickly and without much detail. Scribbles have been a common form of expression in art and informal writing for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,379 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.