scratch

B1
Pronunciation
/skɹætʃ/
Noun
12 definition(s)
1 Definition

A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.

Example Sentences
  • Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
2 Definition

An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.

Example Sentences
  • The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
3 Definition

A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.

4 Definition

A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.

5 Definition

The last riders to depart in a handicap race.

6 Definition

An aberration.

7 Definition

A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.

Example Sentences
  • There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.
8 Definition

Money.

9 Definition

A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.

10 Definition

(in the plural) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.

11 Definition

A scratch wig.

12 Definition

A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as fungi.

Verb
10 definition(s)
1 Definition

To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.

Example Sentences
  • Could you please scratch my back?
2 Definition

To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.

Example Sentences
  • I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
3 Definition

To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).

Example Sentences
  • A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
4 Definition

To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.

5 Definition

To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).

6 Definition

To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.

Example Sentences
  • Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
7 Definition

To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.

8 Definition

To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.

9 Definition

To dig or excavate with the claws.

Example Sentences
  • Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
10 Definition

To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.

Example Sentences
  • The cat scratched the little girl.
Adjective
4 definition(s)
1 Definition

For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.

Example Sentences
  • This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
2 Definition

Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation

3 Definition

(from scratchpad) Relating to a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.

4 Definition

(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.