scamble

1 of 3

verb

scam·​ble
ˈskambəl
scambled; scambled; scambling
-b(ə)liŋ
; scambles

intransitive verb

1
obsolete : to struggle with others for largess thrown to a crowd
broadly : to struggle greedily and indecorously for something
2
chiefly dialectal : to get on somehow : stumble along
3
dialectal, England : to loll around : sprawl, shamble

transitive verb

1
dialectal : to scrape together : collect
2
dialectal, England : to trample down

scamble

2 of 3

noun

scam·​ble
ˈskam(b)əl
plural -s
dialectal, England
: botch, mess

scamble

3 of 3
"

dialectal British variant of shamble

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near scamble

Cite this Entry

“Scamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scamble. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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