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
Of course, Madonna came as a teenager with nothing but a scrappy dream. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 No longer so scrappy, the gang of cinephiles that’s likely behind your latest fave is taking names and making deals. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 July 2026 At a scrappier venue, there might be someone at the door, deciding who will or won’t contribute to a great night. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Usually, when the USMNT enters the knockout stage in the World Cup, they’re considered the underdogs, hoping to be scrappy to force an upset. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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