Scratch Definition
scratch
noun
- an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
- a depression scratched or carved into a surface
- informal terms for money
- a competitor who has withdrawn from competition
- a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game
- dry mash for poultry
- a harsh noise made by scraping; "the scrape of violin bows distracted her"
- poor handwriting
- (golf) a handicap of zero strokes; "a golfer who plays at scratch should be able to achieve par on a course"
- an indication of damage
verb
- cause friction; "my sweater scratches"
- cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
- scrape or rub as if to relieve itching; "Don't scratch your insect bites!"
- postpone indefinitely or annul something that was scheduled; "Call off the engagement"; "cancel the dinner party"; "we had to scrub our vacation plans"; "scratch that meeting--the chair is ill"
- remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line; "Please strike this remark from the record"; "scratch that remark"
- gather (money or other resources) together over time; "She had scraped together enough money for college"; "they scratched a meager living"
- carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface; "engrave a pen"; "engraved the trophy cupt with the winner's"; "the lovers scratched their names into the bark of the tree"
"Scratch" in song lyrics
See how scratch is used in real songs:
-
"when I was about my scratch"
51.50 — I Can't Win -
"I'm talkin bout rap - I eat y'all food right from scratch"
9th Wonder f/ Buddy Klein, Rapper Big Pooh — What Makes a Man -
"I marry this batch, yo, she knows where to scratch"
Aceyalone — Alive
Words that rhyme with scratch
Usage tips for "scratch"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "scratch" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for scratch to find words that pair well.