scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

scrap·​py ˈskra-pē How to pronounce scrappy (audio)
scrappier; scrappiest
Synonyms of scrappy
: consisting of scraps
scrappy meals

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

scrappier; scrappiest
1
: quarrelsome
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit : feisty

Synonyms of scrappy

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Adjective (2)

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Examples of scrappy in a Sentence

Adjective (2) she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Brewers and the Rays aren’t all scrappy have-nots, however. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 The game was scrappy on both sides throughout, but Queta was the only Celtics player to attempt a free throw through two-plus quarters. — ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026 Technology can liberate your scrappy plants from overcrowded window boxes, and put a micro-farm in your kitchen. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 Previously announced under the title Shaolin Women’s Soccer, the Hong Kong-China co-production reworks the original film’s martial-arts-meets-scrappy-sports-team premise around an all-female squad of underdogs. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrappy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrappy was in 1835

Rhymes for scrappy

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Browse Nearby Words

scrapple
scrappy
scrap value
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrappy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scrappy

adjective
scrap·​py
ˈskrap-ē
scrappier; scrappiest
1
: quarrelsome
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit
scrappiness noun
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