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

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."

To search an area or source thoroughly for something.

"Detectives scoured the woods for clues."

"She scoured job listings every morning for weeks."

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo clean vigorously by scrubbing, or to search somewhere thoroughly.

Common pairings

scour the pots scour the internet scour the area

Word forms

scoured past tense, scoured past tense, scours plural, scours singular, scours singular

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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.\"

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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flush scrub purge abrade

Related words

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Rhymes for scour

our hour four your pour sour tour dour flour odour amour colour

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.

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