noun / verb
scrawl
SKRAWL/skrɔːl/
Messy, careless writing.
His hurried pen leaves a barely legible scrawl.
Etymology
Scrawl has meant awkward, untidy writing or drawing from its earliest recorded use. Its origin is uncertain; a connection with a verb meaning “sprawl” is only one suggestion.
In context
He can scrawl his name.
More examples
- Her hurried scrawl was barely legible.
- Someone had scrawled initials on the wall.
- The note consisted of three lines of messy scrawl.
Forms
scrawl · scrawls · scrawled · scrawling
Similar words
- scribble
- Both can mean messy writing; scribble may also mean casual drawing or rapid informal composition.
- handwriting
- Handwriting is neutral; scrawl judges it as untidy or hard to read.