scrabble

[ˈskrabəl]

scrabble Definition

  • 1to scratch or scrape at something with one's fingers or nails
  • 2to struggle or scramble to move quickly
  • 3a word game in which two to four players score points by placing tiles, each bearing a single letter, onto a game board divided into a 15×15 grid of squares

Using scrabble: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scrabble" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She scrabbled at the dirt with her bare hands.

  • Example

    The climbers scrabbled up the steep cliff.

  • Example

    We spent the afternoon playing Scrabble.

  • Example

    He won the game of Scrabble with a high score.

scrabble Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for scrabble

Idioms Using scrabble

  • a desperate struggle to survive

    Example

    The homeless people were engaged in a scrabble for existence on the streets.

  • scrabble around in the dirt/mud

    to search for something in a messy or dirty place

    Example

    The children were scrabbling around in the mud looking for worms.

  • scrabble one's way up

    to climb or advance with difficulty

    Example

    He scrabbled his way up the steep slope to reach the summit.

Phrases with scrabble

  • to try to find or obtain something with difficulty

    Example

    The company is scrabbling for new ways to increase profits.

  • scrabble around/about

    to move around quickly and clumsily, especially while searching for something

    Example

    I was scrabbling around in my bag looking for my keys.

  • to gather or collect something with difficulty or effort

    Example

    We managed to scrabble together enough money to pay the rent.

Origins of scrabble

from Middle English 'scrabelen', meaning 'to scratch'

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Summary: scrabble in Brief

The verb 'scrabble' [ˈskrabəl] means to scratch or scrape with one's fingers or nails, or to struggle or scramble to move quickly. The noun 'scrabble' refers to a word game played by placing lettered tiles on a board to form words. Phrases like 'scrabble for something' and 'scrabble around/about' denote searching or gathering with difficulty, while idioms like 'a scrabble for existence' and 'scrabble one's way up' imply a difficult struggle.

How do native speakers use this expression?