verb
scratch
skrach
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 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 favorite was scratched from the race the night before."
noun
1
A mark, cut, or sound produced by scratching.
"There's a deep scratch on the car door."
2
Informal term for money, especially cash.
"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
Word Forms
scratched past tense, scratches plural, scratches singular
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The cat _____ at the door to be let out.
Etymology
From Middle English scracchen, probably a blend of two older English words that both meant \"to scratch.\"