Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
2. To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
3. To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
4. (of a surface) To get such scratches.
5. To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
6. (music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
7. (billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
8. (billiards, dated, US) To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.

Example Sentences

Could you please scratch my back?

Then riſing with Aurora’s Light, / The Muse invok’d, ſit down to write; / Blot out, correct, inſert, refine, / Enlarge, diminiſh, interline; / Be mindful, when Invention fails, / To ſcratch your Head, and bite your Nails.

I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.

Sometimes I lost track of them and had to hunt round in a circle, thrusting through sharp-scented bushes, scratching myself [translating m’écorchant] on various plants which were still new to me: resinaceous rock-roses, juniper, ilex, yellow and white asphodel.

A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.

This platter scratches easily.

Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.

If any of the Labourers can ſcratch out a Pamphlet, they deſire no more; There is no Queſtion offered about the Wit, the Style, the Argument.

Word Forms

• scratches
• scratching
• scratched

Synonyms for scratch

Related Words

When Should You Use Scratch?

Use scratch when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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