dictionary · eo1.org

scratch

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: scritch, cratch, scranch, scatch, skratch, scoatch, scraich

Antonyms: scritch, cratch, scranch, scatch, skratch, scoatch, scraich

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Verb

  1. {{senseid|en|rub a surface with a sharp object}} To [[rub]] a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove [[itch]]ing with [[nail]]s, [[claw]]s, etc.
  2. {{senseid|en|rub the skin with rough material}} To [[rub]] the skin with [[rough]] material causing a sensation of [[irritation]]; to cause itching.
  3. {{senseid|en|mark a surface with a sharp object}} To [[mark]] a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a '''scratch''' (noun).
  4. {{lb|en|of a surface}} To get such scratches.
  5. {{senseid|en|delete}} To [[cross out]], [[strike out]], [[strike through]] some text on a page.
  6. {{lb|en|music}} To produce a distinctive sound on a [[turntable]] by moving a [[vinyl]] record back and forth while manipulating the [[crossfader]] (see also {{w|scratching}}).
  7. {{lb|en|billiards}} To commit a foul in [[pool]], as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
  8. {{lb|en|billiards|dated|US}} To [[score]], not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game. <!--Webster 1913-->
  9. {{senseid|en|write or draw hastily or awkwardly}} To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; [[scrawl]].
  10. {{lb|en|ambitransitive}} To dig or excavate with the claws.
  11. {{senseid|en|dig or scrape with the intention to injure}} To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
  12. {{lb|en|swimming|athletics}} To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that one was previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.

Noun

  1. {{senseid|en|disruption or mark on a surface}} A [[disruption]], mark or shallow cut on a [[surface]] made by scratching.
  2. An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
  3. {{lb|en|sports}}
  4. {{lb|en|meiosis}} A [[minor]] [[injury]].
  5. {{senseid|en|Q1368}} {{lb|en|slang}} [[money#English:_Q1368|Money]]; especially, [[cash#English:_Q693464|cash]].
  6. {{senseid|en|Q7235610}} A [[feed]], usually a mixture of a few common [[grain]]s, given to [[chicken]]s.
  7. {{lb|en|in the plural}} Minute, but tender and troublesome, [[excoriation]]s, covered with [[scab]]s, upon the [[heel]]s of [[horse]]s which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
  8. {{lb|en|now|historical}} A [[scratch wig]].
  9. {{lb|en|music}} A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as [[fungi]].
  10. {{senseid|en|Q110015752}} Poor [[handwriting]]; especially, [[illegible|illegibly]] so.
  11. Nothing, zero. Used especially in card games or sports, but also expressions like "from scratch".

Adjective

  1. For or consisting of [[preliminary]] or [[tentative]], [[incomplete]], etc. work.
  2. Hastily [[assembled]], arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
  3. {{lb|en|computing}} Relating to a [[scratchpad]], a [[data structure]] or [[recording]] [[medium]] attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
  4. {{lb|en|sports}} (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a [[handicap]], i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.

Proper noun

  1. {{lb|en|programming}} A {{l|en|free}} {{l|en|educational}} {{l|en|visual programming language and a programming site}} developed by the {{w|Massachusetts Institute of Technology}} Media Lab.
  2. {{surname|en}}.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.