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

Multiple studies have shown that handwriting can change dramatically during moments of psychic disturbance—particularly in those suffering from schizophrenia. —Heidi Blake, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024

Even though my handwriting is really scratchy, the feature got most of it right and errors can be corrected using the onscreen keyboard before saving or sending on. —New Atlas, 12 July 2024

Instead, Wilding says scholars like Galileo had different styles of handwriting designated for draft and final form. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2024

Be smart: The University of Iowa reading center released a free program this month designed to help with handwriting instruction for younger kids. —Linh Ta, Axios, 25 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handwriting

• handwriting on the wall
• 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