adjective

scalped

Scalped (adjective) means having had the scalp (the skin and hair on top of the head) cut or torn off. Example: “The old western movie showed a scalped settler as a grim warning to the others.”

adjective

Having had the scalp (the skin and hair on top of the head) cut or torn off.

"The old western movie showed a scalped settler as a grim warning to the others."

"Archaeologists found a scalped skull that hinted at a violent battle centuries earlier."

Having had part of a surface, especially grass or turf, cut too short or stripped away.

"The scalped lawn looked patchy after he set the mower blade far too low."

"A scalped putting green can turn brown if the groundskeeper cuts it that close in the heat."

How to use scalped

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something that has had its top layer — hair and skin on a head, or grass on a surface — cut off or ripped away, usually leaving it looking bare or damaged.

Common mistake

Do not confuse this adjective with the verb "to scalp" meaning to resell tickets at an inflated price — "scalped tickets" means overpriced resold tickets, a completely different sense of the word.

Common pairings

scalped lawn scalped victim scalped turf

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The old western movie showed a _____ settler as a grim warning to the others.

Frequently asked questions

What does “scalped” mean?

The word “scalped” means having had the scalp (the skin and hair on top of the head) cut or torn off. In plain terms, describes something that has had its top layer — hair and skin on a head, or grass on a surface — cut off or ripped away, usually leaving it looking bare or damaged.

How do you use “scalped” in a sentence?

Here is “scalped” used in a sentence: “The old western movie showed a scalped settler as a grim warning to the others.”

What part of speech is “scalped”?

“Scalped” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “scalped” have?

“Scalped” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having had the scalp (the skin and hair on top of the head) cut or torn off.