scrabble
|scrab-ble|
🇺🇸
/ˈskræbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈskræb(ə)l/
scratch; scramble
Etymology
'scrabble' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'scrabben', where the root meant 'to scratch or claw'.
'scrabble' changed from the Middle English verb 'scrabben' (to scratch or claw) and eventually became the modern English 'scrabble'; the sense of 'scrabble together' (to gather with difficulty) developed later, and the name of the board game 'Scrabble' was adopted in the 20th century from that verb sense.
Initially, it meant 'to scratch or claw', but over time it also came to mean 'to scramble or gather with difficulty' and was later used as the name for the word-forming board game.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a board game in which players form words from individual letter tiles on a grid to score points (brand name: Scrabble).
They played scrabble all evening and kept track of scores.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a frenzied or clumsy scratching, scraping, or groping action.
There was a scrabble at the entrance as people tried to get out.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to scratch or grope about with the hands or claws; to scrape at something.
The cat began to scrabble at the window.
Synonyms
Verb 2
to make or obtain something with difficulty or by hurried effort; to gather or cobble together.
She managed to scrabble together enough money for the ticket.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 04:59