noun
Common
scrap
SKRAP
Scrap (noun) means a small leftover piece or fragment of something. Example: “She jotted the number on a scrap of paper.”
noun
1
A small leftover piece or fragment of something.
"She jotted the number on a scrap of paper."
"Not a scrap of evidence was found."
"He fed the dog every last scrap of chicken from his plate."
2
Discarded material, especially metal, kept for reuse or recycling.
"He sold the old car for scrap."
"The yard buys scrap from local builders and sends it to be melted down."
"Collectors gather scrap from old fences and pipes to earn a little extra money."
3
An informal fight or scuffle.
"The two brothers got into a scrap over the remote."
"A scrap broke out in the playground, but a teacher quickly separated the boys."
"The puppies had a harmless little scrap over the same chew toy."
verb
1
To abandon or discard a plan, project, or object.
"They scrapped the merger after the board objected."
"The old ferry was scrapped last year."
"After three failed tests, the engineers decided to scrap the whole design and start again."
How to use scrap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small fragment or leftover, discarded material for reuse, to abandon a plan, or an informal fight.
Common pairings
scrap metal
scrap the plan
a scrap of paper
get into a scrap
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Word forms
- Plural
- scraps
- Third person singular
- scraps
- Past tense
- scrapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She jotted the number on a _____ of paper.
Etymology
From Old Norse skrap, related to a verb meaning \"to scrape or scratch.\"
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for scrap
See all rhymes for scrap →Frequently asked questions
What does “scrap” mean?
The word “scrap” means a small leftover piece or fragment of something. In plain terms, a small fragment or leftover, discarded material for reuse, to abandon a plan, or an informal fight.
How do you pronounce “scrap”?
“Scrap” is pronounced SKRAP (/ˈskɹæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “scrap” in a sentence?
Here is “scrap” used in a sentence: “She jotted the number on a scrap of paper.”
What part of speech is “scrap”?
Depending on how it is used, “scrap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scrap” come from?
The word “scrap” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse skrap, related to a verb meaning \"to scrape or scratch.\".
Is “scrap” a common word?
“Scrap” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “scrap” have?
“Scrap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small leftover piece or fragment of something.
What is the difference between scrap and scrape?
Scrap refers to a small leftover fragment, discarded material such as scrap metal, or the act of abandoning a plan. Scrape means to drag something across a surface or to graze it. Despite the similar spelling, the two words are unrelated in meaning.
When should you use scrap instead of cancel?
You scrap a plan or project when you abandon it entirely and treat it as discarded, often permanently. Cancel is more neutral and can be temporary, whereas scrapping suggests the idea is thrown out for good.
What is the difference between scrap and scraps?
In the singular, scrap usually means a single small fragment or discarded metal, as in "a scrap of paper" or "scrap metal." The plural "scraps" most often refers to small leftover pieces of food or odd bits of material.
What words commonly go with scrap?
Common collocations include "scrap metal," "scrap paper," "scrap heap," and "scrap a plan." As an informal noun, scrap can also mean a brief fight, as in "get into a scrap."
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