# scribble

/ˈskɹɪbəɫ/ (US) · /skɹˈɪbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scribble
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a quick, messy mark or a short note written in a hurry. You use this when you want to describe writing that is not neat or clear.

For teachers: a quick, untidy mark or a brief, hurried note. Often used to describe handwriting that lacks legibility or formal structure.

## Examples

- He left a scribble on the mirror for his wife.
- The detective found a mysterious scribble on the back of the envelope that looked like a phone number.
- The margins of the manuscript were filled with a series of illegible scribbles, likely representing the author's last-minute thoughts before the final print run.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.