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

With digital labeling, no one has to try to remember who is who in your pictures (or decipher your illegible handwriting scribbled on the back). —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025

In his sparse notebooks, his childish, unformed handwriting was endearing to me. —Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

Charles was ordered on Friday to provide handwriting samples for the investigation, according to online case information reviewed by PEOPLE. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025

That led to a pushback and today at least 14 states require that cursive handwriting be taught, including California in 2023. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for handwriting

• alighting
• backbiting
• bullfighting
• daylighting
• delighting
• exciting
• firefighting
• highlighting
• igniting
• inciting
• indicting
• infighting

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