scarecrow
noun
scare·crow ˈsker-ˌkrō 
1
a
: an object usually suggesting a human figure that is set up to frighten birds away from crops
b
: something frightening but harmless
2
: a skinny or ragged person
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web This seriously imposing 7-foot-tall scarecrow has a pumpkin head and a lifelike ribcage, with ash all over its scorched body. 
Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 15 Sep. 2022 Choose from mountains of clothing and accessories to dress your scarecrow. Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2022 The ScareCREW has kits, equipment, supplies and design elements needed to help create all kinds of scarecrow. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 And Retzer Nature Center's Apple Harvest Festival is on Sept. 17, and has food, arts and crafts, a fall hike and a scarecrow lane. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 Set-up for the scarecrow contest begins Sept. 24 and continues through Oct. 2. Hartford Courant, 30 Aug. 2022 Nicole, a munchkin, and Mickey, the scarecrow, talked for hours while painting a backdrop of the Wicked Witch’s crows. Charisma Madarang, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2022 Bring the scarecrow to the Gardens for judging 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday Oct. 15 or 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Oct. 16. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2021 Special events were originally planned to prevent teens from stirring up trouble in the neighborhood, but nowadays, troves of volunteers organize scarecrow contests, scavenger hunts, runs, bonfires, and parades galore. Rebekah Lowin, Country Living, 18 Aug. 2022 See More
Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 15 Sep. 2022 Choose from mountains of clothing and accessories to dress your scarecrow. Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2022 The ScareCREW has kits, equipment, supplies and design elements needed to help create all kinds of scarecrow. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 And Retzer Nature Center's Apple Harvest Festival is on Sept. 17, and has food, arts and crafts, a fall hike and a scarecrow lane. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 Set-up for the scarecrow contest begins Sept. 24 and continues through Oct. 2. Hartford Courant, 30 Aug. 2022 Nicole, a munchkin, and Mickey, the scarecrow, talked for hours while painting a backdrop of the Wicked Witch’s crows. Charisma Madarang, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2022 Bring the scarecrow to the Gardens for judging 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday Oct. 15 or 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Oct. 16. Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2021 Special events were originally planned to prevent teens from stirring up trouble in the neighborhood, but nowadays, troves of volunteers organize scarecrow contests, scavenger hunts, runs, bonfires, and parades galore. Rebekah Lowin, Country Living, 18 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
scarecrow
noun
scare·crow ˈsker-ˌkrō
: an object made to look like a person and set up to scare birds away from crops