WordGarden.ioscrabble
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /skrˈæbəl/
US
- /ˈskræbəl/
Meanings
Noun
a board game in which players make words from letter tiles on a grid
Verb
to scratch, grope, or search around awkwardly or desperately with the hands, feet, or claws
Beyond the definition
Scrabble is a word game in which players use letter tiles to build connected words on a board and score points. As a verb, "scrabble" means to scratch, claw, or pull yourself along with quick, awkward movements. It can also mean to search or struggle in a rushed, desperate way, such as scrabbling for an answer or scrabbling around in a bag for your keys.
Scrabble is a well-known word game in which players form words from letter tiles on a board and score points based on the letters and special bonus squares. New words connect with words already on the board, so each turn mixes vocabulary, planning, and a bit of luck.
But "scrabble" is not only the name of the game. In everyday English, it is also a verb. It can describe scratching or clawing with your hands, especially in a quick or awkward way. Someone might scrabble at a wall for support, or an animal might scrabble at the ground.
It can also be used more figuratively for a hurried, clumsy search or effort. You might scrabble around in a drawer for a charger, scrabble for the right words during an argument, or scrabble up a steep path on your hands and feet. Across these uses, the word carries a feeling of urgency, effort, and slightly uncontrolled movement.
Examples
- 1
Board game
We usually play Scrabble after dinner when the weather is bad.
- 2
Winning play
She beat me at Scrabble with a seven-letter word.
- 3
Searching by touch
In the dark, he scrabbled for his glasses on the bedside table.
- Patternscrabble for + object
try to find it quickly with your hands
- 4
Difficult climb
The dog scrabbled up the muddy slope and disappeared into the trees.
- Patternscrabble up + slope/surface
climb with difficulty, using hands and feet
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Animal scratching
The puppy kept scrabbling at the kitchen door to be let in.
- Patternscrabble at + surface
scratch or claw at it repeatedly
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scrabblenounverb
Forms
- scrabbling-ing formverbnoun
- scrabbledpast tenseverbnoun
- scrabblesverbnoun