noun
scab
skab
Scab (noun) means a dry, hard crust that forms over a wound as it heals. Example: “She picked at the scab on her knee until it started bleeding again.”
noun
1
A dry, hard crust that forms over a wound as it heals.
"She picked at the scab on her knee until it started bleeding again."
2
An insulting term for a worker who continues working, or takes a striking worker's job, during a labour strike.
"The picketers shouted "scab!" at anyone who crossed the line."
verb
1
To act as a strikebreaker.
"He was accused of scabbing during the factory dispute."
How to use scab
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly the crust that forms over a healing wound, or (as an insult) someone who breaks a strike.
When to use it
The strikebreaker sense is a strong insult in labour contexts and should be used carefully.
Common pairings
pick a scab
form a scab
cross the picket line as a scab
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like scab.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- scabs
- Third person singular
- scabs
- Past tense
- scabbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She picked at the _____ on her knee until it started bleeding again.
Etymology
From Old English sceabb and Old Norse skabb, both going back to a Germanic root shared with "scabies" and "shabby."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scab
See all rhymes for scab →Frequently asked questions
What does “scab” mean?
The word “scab” means a dry, hard crust that forms over a wound as it heals. In plain terms, mainly the crust that forms over a healing wound, or (as an insult) someone who breaks a strike.
How do you pronounce “scab”?
“Scab” is pronounced skab (/skæb/ in IPA).
How do you use “scab” in a sentence?
Here is “scab” used in a sentence: “She picked at the scab on her knee until it started bleeding again.”
What part of speech is “scab”?
Depending on how it is used, “scab” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scab” come from?
The word “scab” comes from Old English. From Old English sceabb and Old Norse skabb, both going back to a Germanic root shared with "scabies" and "shabby.".
How many meanings does “scab” have?
“Scab” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dry, hard crust that forms over a wound as it heals.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include scab:
