Scratchy

/ˈskɹæt͡ʃi/ · adjective

Meaning

Characterized by scratches..

Definitions by Sense

1. Characterized by scratches.
2. (chiefly of a sore throat) Irritating; itchy.
3. (informal, of an analogue radio transmission) Noisy, lossy; marred by white noise or static as a result of poor or low signal, interference or unfavourable atmospheric conditions.
4. (of a phonograph record) Having popping and/or crackling sounds due to excessive wear, especially from scratch marks.
5. (informal) Irritable; tetchy.

Example Sentences

An indulgent playmate, Grannie would lay aside the long scratchy-looking letter she was writing (heavily crossed ‘to save notepaper’) and enter into the delightful pastime of ‘a chicken from Mr Whiteley's’.

The FM station two hundred miles away was receivable, but the audio was too scratchy to positively identify.

Once he almost fell asleep, and then the little record player started up in his mother and father's bedroom. Mom was playing her scratchy Elvis 45s again.

'Now, now, don't get scratchy,' said Casali. 'You've got enough troubles of your own. […]

Synonyms for scratchy

Antonyms for scratchy

Related Words

Word Forms

• scratchier
• scratchiest

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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