scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

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

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

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

Examples of scrappy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The Panthers made six three pointers against a scrappy Keller squad. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2024 Independent Artist Group, the scrappy agency led by CEO Jim Osborne, is partnering with Covenant House in order to support the organization that is dedicated to fighting homelessness. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 And that’s the front end of a back-to-back — the scrappy Bulls come to San Francisco on Thursday. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 After a too-brief stay at Vermelho, my luggage-friendly Rover SV is spearing past the vineyards of the scrappy Alentejo wine region, and blurring the bark-regenerating cork oaks that provide stoppers for the world’s wine industry. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2024 Five years to metabolize a relationship that was never officially a relationship, which lasted barely nine scrappy months but changed the course of my life forever. Megan Nolan, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 The Houthis’ scrappy war has gained notoriety among Arab populations who have not previously supported them or the wider policies of the axis. Toby Matthiesen, Foreign Affairs, 9 Feb. 2024 The Hub brought together a scrappy and profoundly New York City collection of people. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 More scrappy behavior: New list honoree Pulley, which helps startups issue and keep track of who owns equity in their companies, was quick to capitalize when larger competitor Carta landed in hot water early this year for sharing some of its clients’ sensitive information with investors. Emily Mason, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scrappy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1837, 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 1837

Dictionary Entries Near scrappy

Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrappy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrappy

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