WordGarden.ioscribble
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /skrˈɪbəl/
US
- /ˈskrɪbəl/
Meanings
Verb
to write something quickly or carelessly in a rough hand
to draw rough, careless lines or shapes
Noun
messy handwriting or a quickly written note
a rough, casual drawing made with quick lines
Beyond the definition
A scribble is a quick, messy bit of writing or drawing. It happens when someone jots down a thought in a hurry, makes rough lines on paper, or lets a pen move across the page without much care. Think of a student writing a fast note in the margin or a child making loose crayon marks on a sheet of paper.
Sometimes a scribble is playful, like random shapes in a notebook. Other times it has a purpose, like a rough note, a fast sketch, or a reminder written before the moment passes. People also call handwriting a "scribble" when it is rushed and hard to read.
To scribble means to write or draw something quickly, roughly, or with little care, often leaving messy or hard-to-read marks. The focus is usually on getting something down fast, not on making it neat. Imagine a journalist scribbling notes during a press conference, trying to catch each important point before the speaker moves on. Or picture a child scribbling on a piece of paper, making loops, lines, and shapes without worrying about staying inside the lines.
A scribble can be a noun too—the actual markings themselves. A detective might find a cryptic scribble on a victim's desk that holds a vital clue. While these marks might look like random lines and shapes to an outsider, they often represent a moment of hurried, unfiltered communication.
Scribbling isn't always aimless, though. It frequently refers to making rough drafts or sketches before creating something more refined. An architect might scribble initial shapes for a new building design, or a songwriter might scribble lyrics on a napkin in a moment of inspiration.
The word evokes a sense of speed and informality. While "writing" suggests careful construction and intent, "scribbling" implies a rush to capture thoughts as they come—a fleeting moment translated onto paper with quick, unrefined strokes. Whether it's playful doodles or hurried memos, scribbles are the raw expression of ideas taking shape.
Examples
- 1
Quick note
She scribbled her phone number on the back of the receipt.
- 2
Child behavior
The kids had scribbled all over the wall with crayons.
- 3
Meeting notes
I scribbled down a few ideas before the meeting started.
- Patternscribble down + idea/note
write it quickly so you do not forget it
- 4
Short message
At the bottom of the page, he had scribbled, "Back in ten."
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Handwriting
His signature was just a scribble, so I couldn't read his name.
See also
Similar
- scrawl
- scratch out
Shades of meaning
- jot down
- doodle
- dash off
Contrast
- write neatly
- copy out
Used with (collocations)
- scribble a note
- scribble in the margin
- scribble on a napkin
Word family
Explore
- handwriting
- illegibility
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scribblenounverb
Forms
- scribbledpast tenseverbnoun
- scribbling-ing formverbnoun
- scribblespluralnounverb