handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhand-ˌrī-tiŋ 

1

: writing done by hand

especially : the form of writing peculiar to a particular person

2

: something written by hand

Phrases

handwriting on the wall

: writing on the wall

Synonyms

• hand
• penmanship
• script

Examples of handwriting in a Sentence

Her handwriting is nearly impossible to read.

she immediately recognized the handwriting on the envelope as that of her old college roommate

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of that reasoning is attributed to the rise in using computers instead of handwriting documents, as well as the frequent use of text messaging, according to the organization. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

The team’s research takes them around the U.K. and beyond, into homes, museums and laboratories, and to the places where the artists worked, to engage with conservators, scientists, handwriting experts, archivists and others. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

In order to preserve their scoop, his editors at Stern had not sought to verify the diaries with handwriting experts. —Clay Risen, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024

The information is expected to include traffic camera footage, police body camera footage and analysis from a handwriting expert and ballistic experts. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handwriting

• see/read the writing/handwriting on the wall
• the writing/handwriting is on the wall

Kids Definition

handwriting

noun

hand·​writ·​ing ˈhan-ˌdrīt-iŋ 

1

: writing done by hand

2

: the form of a particular person's writing

3

: something written by hand