scratch

1 of 3

verb

ˈskrach

scratched; scratching; scratches

transitive verb

: to scrape or dig with the claws or nails

: to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged

: to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching)

: to act on (a desire)

—used with itch

scratch the itch to travel

: to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort

scratch out a living

: to write or draw on a surface

: to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through

: to withdraw (an entry) from competition

: scribble, scrawl

: to scrape along a rough surface

scratch a match

intransitive verb

: to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding

: to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching)

: to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice

had to scratch and save for college

: to make a thin grating sound

: to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by or as if by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle

: to withdraw from a contest or engagement

: to make a scratch in billiards or pool

scratcher noun

scratch

2 of 3

noun

: a mark or injury produced by scratching

also : a slight wound

: scrawl, scribble

: the sound made by scratching

: the starting line in a race

: a test of courage

: satisfactory condition, level, or performance

not up to scratch

: a contestant whose name is withdrawn

: poultry feed (such as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground especially to induce birds to exercise

called also scratch feed

: a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn

specifically : a shot in pool in which the cue ball falls into the pocket

: a shot that scores by chance : fluke

slang : money, funds

scratch

3 of 3

adjective

: arranged or put together with little selection : haphazard

a scratch team

: made as or used for a tentative effort

: made or done by chance and not as intended

a scratch shot

: having no handicap or allowance

a scratch golfer

: made from scratch : made with basic ingredients

a scratch cake

Did you know?

The phrase up to scratch has its origins in the world of sports. In the 18th century, scratch began to be used for a line or mark that served as the starting point in a contest or competition. In order to begin or continue a fight, for example, a pugilist would "come up to the scratch," positioning himself at a line drawn across the prize ring. Up to the scratch was soon being used figuratively of anyone who was ready and able to do something. Over the years, the usage of the phrase has evolved somewhat, but something that is "up to scratch" can still be said to be ready and able in that it is capable of functioning or performing as expected.

Example Sentences

Verb Will you scratch my back for me? Scratching the itch only makes it worse. The dog scratched its ear. You shouldn't scratch. It'll just make your itch worse. Thorns scratched our legs as we climbed through the briars. Careful, the cat will scratch. The dog was scratching at the door. Be careful not to scratch the table. Someone scratched the paint on my car. The little boy scratched lines in the dirt with a stick. Noun There's a scratch in the paint on the new car! The table is an antique but it doesn't have any dents or scratches. I got a scratch on my leg when I climbed the fence. The only sound in the room during the test was the scratch of pencils on paper. We don't have the scratch to buy a new car. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For light scratches like the one in our test, scratch removers really do work.

Collin Morgan And Jon Langston, Car and Driver, 16 Sep. 2022 In Arizona, for instance, sales for all draws and scratch-off games from July 1 to July 29 totaled $123.5 million, up 152% from the fiscal year-to-date projection, according to John Turner Gilliland, public information officer for Arizona Lottery.

Alyssa Lukpat, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2022 The same goes for dogs that like to play rough with their beds and dig and scratch the surface.

Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The Sandman season 1 is now streaming on Netflix, but readers of the legendary 75-issue comic written by Neil Gaiman know those 10 episodes barely scratch the surface of the series' potential.

Christian Holub, EW.com, 9 Aug. 2022 And the Qatari funds may only scratch the surface of foreign money Texas A&M has received but not reported.

Neetu Arnold, WSJ, 17 June 2022 Since the boom of the natural hair movement a few years back, the mainstream hair care industry finally began to create products for textured hair, but continue to only scratch the surface.

Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022 Trees too close to your roof can scratch and gouge the roof.

Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2022 For some, though, the MacTigr's claws will scratch enough itches.

Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2022

Noun

With an in-house molino, the kitchen team cooks and grinds maíz daily to make tortillas from scratch.

The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Her lab at the Karolinska Institute, for instance, studies how to make new hair follicles inside skin—from scratch—which is an admittedly more challenging question than how to hack existing follicles.

WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 The menu also includes breakfast sandwiches made on from-scratch English muffins.

Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Over its quarter-century in business, CJ ENM has had to invent the Korean film business almost from scratch.

Patrick Frater, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 Especially raising money and learning everything from scratch.

Emily Dreibelbis, PCMAG, 6 Sep. 2022 With a from-scratch kitchen and full bar, The Living Room encourages conversations about indie film.

The Indianapolis Star, 6 Sep. 2022 The convention spent the past year debating and crafting a new draft constitution from scratch, which will either be voted in as the new Magna Carta this weekend, or be rejected wholesale.

Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2022 An anecdote is relayed about how the Japanese restaurant on site was basically complete when the owner abruptly changed his mind and decided to start the whole thing over from scratch, bringing in a whole new shipment of natural materials.

Leena Kim, Town & Country, 1 Sep. 2022

Adjective

Then, dampen a non-scratch sponge with vinegar, sprinkle with baking soda, and scrub.

Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2022 According to Brown, mild dish soap and a soft-bristle scrub brush or non-scratch scrub sponge will keep minerals from collecting around the faucet head when used frequently.

Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2022 Some feature the trending astronaut bubble window (such as the Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack, which any cat lover has doubtless seen on Instagram), while others are covered in sizable, strong breathable mesh panels made of anti-scratch material.

Malia Griggs, SELF, 29 Apr. 2022 It's also constructed with anti-scratch glass on top, as well as sensors that prevent it from bumping into obstacles or accidentally tumbling down a flight of stairs.

Amy Schulman, PEOPLE.com, 13 Dec. 2021 The platinum anti-fog and anti-scratch coating instantly puts these glasses at the head of the class.

Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2021 Let the pan sit overnight, then gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge.

Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2021 Step 3: Dump out the solution, clean with a non-scratch sponge and liquid dish soap, and rinse the item with warm water.

Samantha Hunter, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2021 It's designed with an anti-scratch cover to protect it while gliding under large pieces of furniture, and also includes an infrared sensor that prevents it from bumping into objects and falling down a flight of stairs.

Amy Schulman, PEOPLE.com, 21 June 2021 See More

Kids Definition

scratch 1 of 2

verb

ˈskrach

scratched; scratching

: to scrape or rub lightly

scratch an itch

He scratched his head.

: to injure by scraping with something sharp

He scratched his thumb on a nail.

: to make a scraping noise

The dog was scratching at the door.

: to erase by scraping

I scratched out my mistake.

scratch

2 of 2

noun

: a mark or injury made by scraping with something sharp

单词	scratching
释义	scratch 1 of 3 verb ˈskrach scratched; scratching; scratches transitive verb 1 : to scrape or dig with the claws or nails 2 : to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged 3 a : to scrape or rub lightly (as to relieve itching) b : to act on (a desire) —used with itch scratch the itch to travel 4 : to scrape together : collect with difficulty or by effort scratch out a living 5 : to write or draw on a surface 6 a : to cancel or erase by or as if by drawing a line through b : to withdraw (an entry) from competition 7 : scribble, scrawl 8 : to scrape along a rough surface scratch a match intransitive verb 1 : to use the claws or nails in digging, tearing, or wounding 2 : to scrape or rub oneself lightly (as to relieve itching) 3 : to gather money or make a living by hard work and especially through irregular means and sacrifice had to scratch and save for college 4 a : to make a thin grating sound b : to produce a rhythmic scratching sound by or as if by moving a phonograph record back and forth under a phonograph needle 5 : to withdraw from a contest or engagement 6 : to make a scratch in billiards or pool scratcher noun scratch 2 of 3 noun 1 : a mark or injury produced by scratching also : a slight wound 2 : scrawl, scribble 3 : the sound made by scratching 4 : the starting line in a race 5 a : a test of courage b : satisfactory condition, level, or performance not up to scratch 6 : a contestant whose name is withdrawn 7 : poultry feed (such as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground especially to induce birds to exercise called also scratch feed 8 a : a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn specifically : a shot in pool in which the cue ball falls into the pocket b : a shot that scores by chance : fluke 9 slang : money, funds scratch 3 of 3 adjective 1 : arranged or put together with little selection : haphazard a scratch team 2 : made as or used for a tentative effort 3 : made or done by chance and not as intended a scratch shot 4 : having no handicap or allowance a scratch golfer 5 : made from scratch : made with basic ingredients a scratch cake Phrases scratch one's back : to accommodate with a favor especially in expectation of like return scratch one's head : to be or become confused or perplexed scratch the surface : to make a modest effort or start from scratch 1 : from a point at which nothing has been done ahead of time build a school system from scratch 2 : without using a prepared mixture of ingredients bake a cake from scratch Did you know? The phrase up to scratch has its origins in the world of sports. In the 18th century, scratch began to be used for a line or mark that served as the starting point in a contest or competition. In order to begin or continue a fight, for example, a pugilist would "come up to the scratch," positioning himself at a line drawn across the prize ring. Up to the scratch was soon being used figuratively of anyone who was ready and able to do something. Over the years, the usage of the phrase has evolved somewhat, but something that is "up to scratch" can still be said to be ready and able in that it is capable of functioning or performing as expected. Synonyms Verb abrade graze scrape scuff Noun creak grind jar rasp scrape See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Verb Will you scratch my back for me? Scratching the itch only makes it worse. The dog scratched its ear. You shouldn't scratch. It'll just make your itch worse. Thorns scratched our legs as we climbed through the briars. Careful, the cat will scratch. The dog was scratching at the door. Be careful not to scratch the table. Someone scratched the paint on my car. The little boy scratched lines in the dirt with a stick. Noun There's a scratch in the paint on the new car! The table is an antique but it doesn't have any dents or scratches. I got a scratch on my leg when I climbed the fence. The only sound in the room during the test was the scratch of pencils on paper. We don't have the scratch to buy a new car. See More Recent Examples on the Web Verb For light scratches like the one in our test, scratch removers really do work. Collin Morgan And Jon Langston, Car and Driver, 16 Sep. 2022 In Arizona, for instance, sales for all draws and scratch-off games from July 1 to July 29 totaled $123.5 million, up 152% from the fiscal year-to-date projection, according to John Turner Gilliland, public information officer for Arizona Lottery. Alyssa Lukpat, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2022 The same goes for dogs that like to play rough with their beds and dig and scratch the surface. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The Sandman season 1 is now streaming on Netflix, but readers of the legendary 75-issue comic written by Neil Gaiman know those 10 episodes barely scratch the surface of the series' potential. Christian Holub, EW.com, 9 Aug. 2022 And the Qatari funds may only scratch the surface of foreign money Texas A&M has received but not reported. Neetu Arnold, WSJ, 17 June 2022 Since the boom of the natural hair movement a few years back, the mainstream hair care industry finally began to create products for textured hair, but continue to only scratch the surface. Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2022 Trees too close to your roof can scratch and gouge the roof. Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2022 For some, though, the MacTigr's claws will scratch enough itches. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2022 Noun With an in-house molino, the kitchen team cooks and grinds maíz daily to make tortillas from scratch. The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 Her lab at the Karolinska Institute, for instance, studies how to make new hair follicles inside skin—from scratch—which is an admittedly more challenging question than how to hack existing follicles. WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 The menu also includes breakfast sandwiches made on from-scratch English muffins. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 Sep. 2022 Over its quarter-century in business, CJ ENM has had to invent the Korean film business almost from scratch. Patrick Frater, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 Especially raising money and learning everything from scratch. Emily Dreibelbis, PCMAG, 6 Sep. 2022 With a from-scratch kitchen and full bar, The Living Room encourages conversations about indie film. The Indianapolis Star, 6 Sep. 2022 The convention spent the past year debating and crafting a new draft constitution from scratch, which will either be voted in as the new Magna Carta this weekend, or be rejected wholesale. Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2022 An anecdote is relayed about how the Japanese restaurant on site was basically complete when the owner abruptly changed his mind and decided to start the whole thing over from scratch, bringing in a whole new shipment of natural materials. Leena Kim, Town & Country, 1 Sep. 2022 Adjective Then, dampen a non-scratch sponge with vinegar, sprinkle with baking soda, and scrub. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2022 According to Brown, mild dish soap and a soft-bristle scrub brush or non-scratch scrub sponge will keep minerals from collecting around the faucet head when used frequently. Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2022 Some feature the trending astronaut bubble window (such as the Lollimeow Pet Carrier Backpack, which any cat lover has doubtless seen on Instagram), while others are covered in sizable, strong breathable mesh panels made of anti-scratch material. Malia Griggs, SELF, 29 Apr. 2022 It's also constructed with anti-scratch glass on top, as well as sensors that prevent it from bumping into obstacles or accidentally tumbling down a flight of stairs. Amy Schulman, PEOPLE.com, 13 Dec. 2021 The platinum anti-fog and anti-scratch coating instantly puts these glasses at the head of the class. Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2021 Let the pan sit overnight, then gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2021 Step 3: Dump out the solution, clean with a non-scratch sponge and liquid dish soap, and rinse the item with warm water. Samantha Hunter, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2021 It's designed with an anti-scratch cover to protect it while gliding under large pieces of furniture, and also includes an infrared sensor that prevents it from bumping into objects and falling down a flight of stairs. Amy Schulman, PEOPLE.com, 21 June 2021 See More Word History Etymology Verb Middle English scracchen, probably blend of scratten to scratch and cracchen to scratch First Known Use Verb 15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Noun circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Adjective 1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Phrases Containing scratch scratch out a living scratch out scratch one's head scratch one's back scratch someone's back scratch sheet scratch paper scratch ticket scratch the/that itch You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours up to scratch scratch a living scratch hit scratch test scratch off scratch pad scratch the/an itch cat scratch disease start from scratch without a scratch from scratch scratch the surface scratch card See More scratch out a living scratch out scratch one's head scratch one's back scratch someone's back scratch sheet scratch paper scratch ticket scratch the/that itch You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours up to scratch scratch a living scratch hit scratch test scratch off scratch pad scratch the/an itch cat scratch disease start from scratch without a scratch from scratch scratch the surface scratch card See More Kids Definition scratch 1 of 2 verb ˈskrach scratched; scratching 1 : to scrape or rub lightly scratch an itch He scratched his head. 2 : to injure by scraping with something sharp He scratched his thumb on a nail. 3 : to make a scraping noise The dog was scratching at the door. 4 : to erase by scraping I scratched out my mistake. scratch 2 of 2 noun : a mark or injury made by scraping with something sharp scratching 1 of 2 adjective 1 as in screeching Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance screeching clattering metallic clashing clanging grating squeaky shrill blaring jangling jarring dinning raspy unpleasant raucous strident dissonant unmusical noisy disagreeable harsh cacophonous unmelodious clangorous jangly inharmonious unvocal tuneless unpleasing atonal discordant sonorous off-key resounding clamorous uproarious Antonyms & Near Antonyms musical harmonizing melodious resonant melodic sweet harmonious appealing tuneful mellow sonorous mellifluous rhythmic pleasant euphonious trilling dulcet warbling rhythmical still harmonic lyrical agreeable lyric tonal silent lilting orchestral mellifluent calm quavering chordal symphonic polyphonic quiet homophonic hushed noiseless soundless symphonious cadenced polyphonous See More 2 as in jabbing Synonyms & Similar Words jabbing stabbing lacerating piercing jagged cutting clawlike knifelike pointed ground spiky daggerlike pointy edged stropped sharpened spikey trenchant honed keen edgy whetted sharp Antonyms & Near Antonyms dull blunt smooth rounded soft even obtuse dulled flat blunted slick level See More scratching 2 of 2 verb present participle of scratch 1 as in scraping to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch Synonyms & Similar Words scraping scuffing grazing bruising abrading clawing barking chafing cutting fretting skinning lacerating galling contusing Antonyms & Near Antonyms polishing softening smoothing waxing 2 as in rubbing to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the branches of the willow tree scratch against the windowpane whenever the wind blows Synonyms & Similar Words scraping rubbing grating grinding whining rasping groaning Antonyms & Near Antonyms sliding gliding skating 3 as in scribbling to write or draw hastily or carelessly scratched a quick doodle in the margins Synonyms & Similar Words scribbling scrawling squiggling writing doodling printing penning lettering inking inscribing penciling jotting (down) pencilling
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scratch

verb

noun

adjective

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing scratch

Kids Definition

verb

noun

adjective

verb