scratch
skrach
Scratch (verb) means to rub or drag nails, claws, or a sharp point across a surface, especially to relieve an itch or leave a mark. Example: “The puppy scratched the sofa until the cushion cover began to tear.”
verb
1
To rub or drag nails, claws, or a sharp point across a surface, especially to relieve an itch or leave a mark.
"The puppy scratched the sofa until the cushion cover began to tear."
"The cat scratched at the door to be let out."
"He scratched his initials into the desk."
2
To withdraw from a race or competition one had previously entered.
"The runner was scratched from the final after pulling a muscle in training."
"Two horses were scratched from the race because the ground was too hard."
"The favorite was scratched from the race the night before."
noun
1
A mark, cut, or sound produced by scratching.
"I heard a faint scratch at the window and found the cat outside."
"He had a small scratch on his knee from climbing the fence."
"There's a deep scratch on the car door."
2
Informal term for money, especially cash.
"I'm short of scratch this month, so I can't go out."
"He earned some extra scratch by washing cars at weekends."
"He didn't have enough scratch to cover the bill."
How to use scratch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo drag something sharp across a surface (or relieve an itch this way), a resulting mark, or to pull out of a competition.
Common mistake
The phrase \"from scratch\" means starting with nothing prepared in advance, not literally about scratching.
Common pairings
scratch an itch
start from scratch
scratch the surface
scratch card
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Word forms
- Plural
- scratches
- Third person singular
- scratches
- Past tense
- scratched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The puppy _____ the sofa until the cushion cover began to tear.
Etymology
From Middle English scracchen, probably a blend of two older English words that both meant \"to scratch.\"
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for scratch
See all rhymes for scratch →Frequently asked questions
What does “scratch” mean?
The word “scratch” means to rub or drag nails, claws, or a sharp point across a surface, especially to relieve an itch or leave a mark. In plain terms, to drag something sharp across a surface (or relieve an itch this way), a resulting mark, or to pull out of a competition.
How do you pronounce “scratch”?
“Scratch” is pronounced skrach (/skɹæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scratch” in a sentence?
Here is “scratch” used in a sentence: “The cat scratched at the door to be let out.”
What part of speech is “scratch”?
Depending on how it is used, “scratch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scratch” come from?
The word “scratch” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scracchen, probably a blend of two older English words that both meant \"to scratch.\".
Is “scratch” a common word?
“Scratch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “scratch” have?
“Scratch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to rub or drag nails, claws, or a sharp point across a surface, especially to relieve an itch or leave a mark.
What is the difference between "scratch" and "scrape"?
To "scratch" is to drag nails, claws, or a sharp point across a surface, leaving a thin mark or relieving an itch. To "scrape" usually means to drag a broader edge along a surface, removing material or covering a wider area.
What is the difference between "scratch" and "itch"?
An itch is the uncomfortable sensation on the skin that makes you want to rub it. To "scratch" is the action of rubbing or dragging your nails across that spot to relieve the itch.
Can "scratch" be both a verb and a noun?
Yes. As a verb, "scratch" means to rub or drag nails or a sharp point across a surface. As a noun, it names the mark, cut, or sound that this action produces, such as a scratch on the paint.
What is the difference between a "scratch" and a "scuff"?
A "scratch" is a thin line or cut made by a sharp point, such as a fingernail or key. A "scuff" is a rougher, duller mark left by rubbing or scraping a surface, often on shoes or floors.
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