scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

scrap·​py ˈskra-pē How to pronounce scrappy (audio)
scrappier; scrappiest
: consisting of scraps
scrappy meals

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

scrappier; scrappiest
1
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit : feisty

Examples of scrappy in a Sentence

Adjective (2) she was a scrappy girl despite—or, perhaps, because of—her small size a pair of scrappy movie critics who can never agree on anything
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Regina Hall, Sharon Stone, Nathalie Emmanuel, Maria Bello, William H Macy, Ken Jeong, Marsha Gay Harden and director John Woo are among those that the scrappy agency has signed in the last few years. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024 Farrell’s scrappy, working-class Penguin is a big departure from the comics, but certain character traits are faithful to the character’s origins. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The goal neatly summed up what was largely a scrappy and tense affair as Arsenal was unable to create much during long periods of possession and extend its lead. Matias Grez, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024 Synergy Marine Group was still a scrappy startup in the global shipping industry at the time of Murray’s accident in January 2010. USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrappy 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1837, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrappy was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near scrappy

Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrappy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrappy

adjective
scrap·​py
ˈskrap-ē
scrappier; scrappiest
1
2
: having an aggressive and determined spirit
scrappiness noun
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