Added 9 October 2026
scratch
/skɹæt͡ʃ/ verb
In Latin: scabō, scalpō Wiktionary
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about scratch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
Could you please scratch my back?
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To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
- To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
noun
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A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
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An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
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A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing. 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. The last riders to depart in a handicap race. An aberration. A foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table. A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke. A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from nine horses to seven.
adjective
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For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
- Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
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Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
scratch memory
Origin
From Middle English scracchen, of uncertain origin. Potentially a blend of Middle English scratten (“to scratch”) and cracchen (“to scratch”). More at scrat and cratch. Compare Old English scrama, Old Norse skråma, German Schramme (“scratch”), which may be related.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)