scrubby

adjective

scrub·​by ˈskrə-bē How to pronounce scrubby (audio)
scrubbier; scrubbiest
Synonyms of scrubbynext
1
: inferior in size or quality : stunted
scrubby cattle
2
: covered with or consisting of scrub
3
: shabby, paltry

Synonyms

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Examples of scrubby in a Sentence

changed into an old flannel shirt and a scrubby pair of jeans to clean out the garage
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.
The forests will be scrubbier and more open. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2023 Just to the south, in a clearing between stands of scrubby black spruce, a cow moose spotted the women and leapt to its feet, dashing away to the southeast and into a 32-acre area that the city is working to turn into a new snow dump site in West Anchorage. — Emily Goodykoontz, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Nov. 2021 It is called scrubby flatwoods. — Kevin Spear, orlandosentinel.com, 16 Oct. 2020 Stick to the gentler blue scour pads, the scrubby side of your sponge, or a Scrub Daddy/Mommy. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 10 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for scrubby

Word History

Etymology

scrub entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrubby was in 1591

Rhymes for scrubby

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Browse Nearby Words

scrubby
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Cite this Entry

“Scrubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrubby. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

scrubby

adjective
scrub·​by ˈskrəb-ē How to pronounce scrubby (audio)
scrubbier; scrubbiest
1
: of small size or poor quality : stunted
scrubby cattle
2
: covered with or consisting of scrub
a scrubby hill

More from Merriam-Webster on scrubby

Nglish: Translation of scrubby for Spanish Speakers

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