Definition

1. Verb:

   • To write something quickly and carelessly, often resulting in handwriting that is messy, illegible, or untidy.

2. Noun:

   • Handwriting that is messy, careless, or difficult to read; a piece of writing produced in such a manner.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • He scrawled his signature at the bottom of the page.
  • I quickly scrawled a note on a napkin before leaving the cafe.
• Noun:
  • I can't read this scrawl; what does it say?
  • The document was covered in an illegible scrawl.

Advanced Usage

• "to scrawl something across/down/on": To write carelessly on a surface.
  • Someone had scrawled graffiti across the wall.
  • She scrawled the phone number down on the back of an envelope.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrawly (adj): Resembling or characterized by scrawl; written in a messy way.
  • The scrawly text was almost impossible to decipher.

Synonyms

• Verb: Scribble, scratch, dash off.
• Noun: Scribble, scratch, chicken scratch (informal).

Related Phrases

• Noun Phrase: A hasty scrawl emphasizes the speed and carelessness of the writing.
  • His instructions were just a hasty scrawl on a sticky note.

Noun

1. poor handwriting

Verb

1. write carelessly