A scribe is a person who writes down information, often by hand. Historically, scribes played a crucial role in recording important documents, such as laws, religious texts, and historical events. They were essential in ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Mesopotamia, where they used tools like reed pens and clay tablets to create written records. In modern times, the term "scribe" can also refer to someone who transcribes spoken words into written form, such as in court reporting or medical documentation. Additionally, the word is used in various contexts, including scribe software, which helps with digital note-taking and document management.