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.
Alyn, much like Spiranac, gets her share of social media scoundrels in her mentions. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The series, to be teased at Disney’s Upfronts presentation on Tuesday, portrays women helping women to leave their cheating, scoundrel husbands. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 Yet each performance feels angled at a slightly different degree, one distinct acting turn making all the difference between a charming scoundrel, a depressed artist, a loyal sidekick, an aloof intellectual, or a precocious kid. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 Is Jim Ellis a live-fast, die-young scoundrel or just a mostly pretty nice guy with a heart of gold who just happens to be working for the mob? Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scoundrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoundrel. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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
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