verb
scour
SKOW-uh
Scour (verb) means to clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive. Example: “She scoured the burnt pan until it shone.”
verb
1
To clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive.
"She scoured the burnt pan until it shone."
"He scoured the bathroom tiles with bleach and a stiff brush."
2
To search an area or source thoroughly for something.
"Detectives scoured the woods for clues."
"She scoured job listings every morning for weeks."
noun
1
A channel or hollow cut into the ground by fast-moving water.
"The flood left a deep scour beneath the bridge."
How to use scour
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo clean vigorously by scrubbing, or to search somewhere thoroughly.
Common pairings
scour the pots
scour the internet
scour the area
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Word forms
- Plural
- scours
- Third person singular
- scours
- Past tense
- scoured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the burnt pan until it shone.
Etymology
From Middle English scǒuren, probably borrowed from Dutch or Low German words meaning to clean or polish, ultimately traced back to a Latin verb meaning \"to clean off.\"
Related words
Rhymes for scour
See all rhymes for scour →Frequently asked questions
What does “scour” mean?
The word “scour” means to clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive. In plain terms, to clean vigorously by scrubbing, or to search somewhere thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “scour”?
“Scour” is pronounced SKOW-uh (/ˈskaʊɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scour” in a sentence?
Here is “scour” used in a sentence: “She scoured the burnt pan until it shone.”
What part of speech is “scour”?
Depending on how it is used, “scour” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scour” come from?
The word “scour” comes from Latin. From Middle English scǒuren, probably borrowed from Dutch or Low German words meaning to clean or polish, ultimately traced back to a Latin verb meaning \"to clean off.\".
How many meanings does “scour” have?
“Scour” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive.
