What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cribble
Example
I couldn't understand his note because it was just a bunch of scribbled words. [scribbled: past tense]
Example
She quickly cribbled down the phone number on a piece of paper. [cribbled: past tense]
scribble
Example
He scribbled a note on the back of an envelope before leaving. [scribbled: verb]
Example
The child was happily scribbling with crayons on a piece of paper. [scribbling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scribble is more commonly used than cribble in everyday language. Scribble is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while cribble is more specialized and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cribble and scribble?
Both cribble and scribble are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.