scramble
scramble Lexical Profile
scramble Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make one's way quickly or awkwardly up a steep slope or over rough ground by using the hands as well as the feet.
"The hikers scrambled up the rocky embankment to get a better view of the valley."
To move, act, or compete with urgency, haste, or panic.
"Software engineers scrambled to fix the server outage before the morning rush."
To mix, throw together, or alter into a random, confused, or unreadable order (including electronic signals or data).
"The encryption software scrambles the message so that unauthorized users cannot read it."
To prepare eggs by beating the yolks and whites together and cooking them in a pan while stirring.
"He scrambled three eggs in butter and served them over toasted sourdough bread."
To order fighter aircraft to take off immediately in an emergency or for rapid interception, or (of aircraft or crew) to take off hurriedly.
"Air defense command scrambled two jets after an unidentified aircraft entered the restricted zone."
• noun
An eager, chaotic, or disorderly struggle to obtain or achieve something.
"There was a frantic scramble for seats as soon as the train doors opened."
A difficult or hurried climb or movement over rough, steep terrain.
"Reaching the mountain ridge required a steep scramble over loose boulders."
North American A dish consisting of beaten eggs cooked in a pan while being stirred, typically mixed with vegetables, cheese, or meat.
"The diner serves a hearty breakfast scramble made with spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar."
• Rhymes for scramble
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century, likely as a blend or nasalized variant of the dialectal verbs 'scamble' (to struggle for something) and 'scrabble' (to scratch or clamber).