# scribbling

/ˈskɹɪbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /skɹˈɪblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scribbling
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to write or draw something quickly and carelessly, so it can be hard to read. You do this when you are in a hurry or not trying to be neat.

For teachers: to write or draw hastily with careless, often illegible marks. Typically implies speed and lack of attention to neatness rather than artistic intent.

## Examples

- She is scribbling notes during the phone call.
- The student kept scribbling ideas in the margin while the teacher explained the task.
- Lost in thought during the long meeting, he kept scribbling loops and arrows across the page without noticing.

---

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.