scrappy

1 of 2

adjective (1)

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

scrappy

2 of 2

adjective (2)

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

Synonyms of scrappy

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Adjective (2)

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Still, a visit to Meyers’ sleek apartment, admittedly paid for by his parents, confirms for Ed the kind of youthful privilege at play here, so unlike the scrappier downtown bohemia of his own artistic heyday. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Dalio, then building a scrappy Bridgewater Associates, already worked with one of America’s largest poultry producers as his client, which became a helpful connection in the McDonald’s assignment. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Until recently, live streaming was seen as a niche technology and a scrappy alternative to mainstream media, meant mostly for video-game players and fringe political pundits. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026 Disney then ditched the movie, offloading it to the scrappy Relativity Media — sound like a familiar trajectory? — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrappy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

scrap entry 1

Adjective (2)

scrap entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1835, 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 1835

Rhymes for scrappy

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Browse Nearby Words

scrapple
scrappy
scrap value
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrappy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrappy. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scrappy

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