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Definition of scrawny

scrawny

/ˈskrɔː.ni/
scraw · ny
Adverb:scrawnily
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scrawny Lexical Profile

scrawny Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unattractively thin and bony; gaunt or undernourished in appearance.

Example

"The stray cat looked scrawny and hungry when it first wandered onto our porch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scrawny
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scrawny

• Rhymes for scrawny

• Nearby Words

scrawl
scrawnily
scrawniness
scrawny
scream
screamer
screaming

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the early 19th century as a regional American and British dialect word, it is an alteration of the earlier 'scranny' (meaning lean or gaunt), which is likely of Scandinavian origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scrawny. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scrawny
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