scruff
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scruff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The back of the neck, especially of an animal.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scruff
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Related to "scurf," originally referring to flaky skin, though the "back of the neck" sense is now the dominant one.
Full origin of scruff →Frequently asked questions
What does “scruff” mean?
The word “scruff” means the back of the neck, especially of an animal. In plain terms, the back of the neck (especially of an animal), or short facial stubble.
How do you pronounce “scruff”?
“Scruff” is pronounced skruhf (/skɹʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “scruff” in a sentence?
Here is “scruff” used in a sentence: “The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff of its neck.”
What is another word for “scruff”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scruff” include nape, nucha, nuchal and withers.
What part of speech is “scruff”?
Depending on how it is used, “scruff” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “scruff” have?
“Scruff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the back of the neck, especially of an animal.