scarecrow

noun

scare·​crow ˈsker-ˌkrō How to pronounce scarecrow (audio)
1
a
: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to frighten birds away from crops
b
: something frightening but harmless
2
: a skinny or ragged person

Examples of scarecrow in a Sentence

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.
Check out the underwater pumpkin patch and snorkeling scarecrow, plus a live show. Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 The scarecrows will remain up in the village until Nov. 8. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 Other spooky jokes Why did the scarecrow fail as a stand-up comedian? Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024 After those first few weeks of trying to appear—and feel—older, cooler, smarter, and worthy of befriending, the corny scarecrows unlocked something dorky and beautiful in me. Grace McCarty, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scarecrow 

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarecrow was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near scarecrow

Cite this Entry

“Scarecrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarecrow. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scarecrow

noun
scare·​crow ˈske(ə)r-ˌkrō How to pronounce scarecrow (audio)
ˈska(ə)r-
: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to scare birds away from crops

More from Merriam-Webster on scarecrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!