scoundrel

noun

scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a disreputable person : rascal
scoundrel adjective
scoundrelly adjective

Examples of scoundrel in a Sentence

some scoundrel stole my wallet
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.
You are being forced to surrender your country without a fight to the gang of traitors, thieves, and scoundrels who have seized power. Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 Still, our heroes are not traditional heroes but rather scoundrels and knaves and outcasts, all of whom have complex inner turmoil and compelling character arcs. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 New Eden is the archetypical frontier town, with people coming together despite hardships to build this little slice of heaven, and the International Peacekeeping Forces are the army of scoundrels arriving by train into town to wreak havoc and destroy everything. Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2024 It has been pillaged, wounded, dragged into an aggressive war, and turned into a prison run by the most unscrupulous and deceitful scoundrels. Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scoundrel 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoundrel was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near scoundrel

Cite this Entry

“Scoundrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoundrel. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scoundrel

noun
scoun·​drel ˈskau̇n-drəl How to pronounce scoundrel (audio)
: a mean or wicked person : villain
scoundrelly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scoundrel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!