verb

scribble

SKRIH-buhl

verb

To write or draw quickly and carelessly.

"She scribbled her phone number on a napkin."

"He scribbled notes throughout the meeting."

noun

Hasty, careless writing or drawing.

"I could barely read the scribble on the whiteboard."

How to Use Scribble

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo write or draw quickly and messily, or the messy result itself.

Common pairings

scribble a note illegible scribble scribble down

scribbled past tense, scribbled past tense, scribbles plural, scribbles singular, scribbles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

She _____ her phone number on a napkin.

From Middle English scribblen, built on "scribe" (to write) plus a frequentative ending suggesting repeated, quick action.

dibble nibble kibble quibble dribble gribble