scruffier; scruffiest
: unkempt, slovenly, shaggy
a scruffy neighborhood
a scruffy beard
scruffily adverb
scruffiness noun

Examples of scruffy in a Sentence

The neighborhood is full of dilapidated houses with scruffy backyards. dressed in scruffy old clothes 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.
And Just Like That… season 3 premiere in New York City on Wednesday, May 21 But the actor appeared in an unrecognizable look — a gray scruffy beard! Charna Flam, People.com, 22 May 2025 In between, there were stops at scruffy downtown spots like the Mudd Club, which owner Steve Mass opened with $15,000, and arty downtown spots like Area, which re-created itself monthly according to theme. Amy Virshup, Vulture, 14 May 2025 Chewbacca, the renowned scruffy Wookiee warrior and Han Solo’s co-pilot, was portrayed by Jill Knuth, a youth services librarian. Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025 The Warfare actor's face was partially obscured by a scruffy looking beard and his long dark hair. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scruffy

Word History

Etymology

scruff, metathetic variant of scurf (also with senses "something worthless or contemptible, contemptible person") + -y entry 1

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scruffy was in 1871

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scruffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scruffy. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

scruffy

adjective
scruffier; scruffiest
: dirty or shabby in appearance
a scruffy beard

More from Merriam-Webster on scruffy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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