scramble

Scramble means to climb, crawl, struggle or go after something of value.

(verb)

An example of to scramble is kids getting on the ground and grabbing candy from a piñata.

Scramble is defined as to mix, stir or throw together in a random way.

(verb)

  1. An example of to scramble is mixing letters together for a word puzzle.
  2. An example of to scramble is whipping eggs and milk for a breakfast egg dish.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See scramble in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb scrambled, scrambling

  1. to climb, crawl, or clamber hurriedly
  2. to scuffle or struggle for something, as for coins scattered on the ground
  3. to struggle or rush pell-mell, as to get something highly prized: to scramble for political office
  4. to get military aircraft into the air quickly
  5. Football to maneuver about in the backfield while seeking an open receiver to whom to pass the ball; also, to run with the ball if unable to find a receiver

Origin: < ? scamper + scrabble

transitive verb

    1. to throw together haphazardly; mix in a confused way; jumble
    2. Electronics to modify (transmitted auditory or visual signals) so as to make unintelligible without special receiving equipment
  1. to gather haphazardly; collect without method: often with up
  2. ☆ to cook (eggs) while stirring the mixed whites and yolks
  3. to order or get (military aircraft) into the air quickly

noun

  1. a hard, hurried climb or advance, as over rough, difficult ground
  2. a disorderly struggle or rush, as for something prized
  3. a disorderly heap; jumble
  4. a quick takeoff of military aircraft

Related Forms:

See scramble in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb scram·bled, scram·bling, scram·bles
verb, intransitive
  1. To move or climb hurriedly, especially on the hands and knees.
  2. To struggle or contend frantically in order to get something: scrambled for the best seats.
  3. To take off with all possible haste, as to intercept enemy aircraft.
  4. Football
    a. To run around with the ball behind the line of scrimmage in order to avoid being tackled while searching for an open receiver.
    b. To run forward with the ball when unable to complete an intended pass play. Used of a quarterback.
verb, transitive
  1. To mix or throw together haphazardly.
  2. To gather together in a hurried or disorderly fashion.
  3. To cook (beaten eggs) until firm but with a soft consistency.
  4. Electronics To distort or garble (a signal) so as to render it unintelligible without a special receiver.
  5. To cause (aircraft) to take off as fast as possible, as to intercept enemy aircraft.
noun
  1. The act or an instance of scrambling.
  2. An arduous hike or climb over rough terrain.
  3. An unceremonious scuffle or struggle.
  4. Sports See motocross.
  5. A swift takeoff of military aircraft in response to an alert or attack.

Origin:

Origin: Perhaps blend of obsolete scamble, to struggle for

Origin: , and dialectal cramble, to crawl

.

Learn more about scramble

Related Articles

link/cite print suggestion box