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Definition of score

score

/skɔːr/
score

Plural:scores
•
Adjective:scoreless
•
Past Simple:scored
•
Past Participle:scored
•
Present Participle:scoring
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score Lexical Profile

score Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The number of points, goals, runs, or marks achieved in a game, competition, or examination.

Example

"The final score of the basketball game was tied, leading to overtime."


2

The written or printed form of a musical composition, showing all the vocal and instrumental parts arranged on staves.

Example

"The conductor carefully studied the score before the orchestra's first rehearsal."


3

A group or set of twenty.

Example

"Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To gain or accumulate points, goals, or runs in a competitive game or match.

Example

"The striker scored an incredible goal in the final minute of the championship match."


2

To evaluate or assign a grade or mark to an examination, test, or performance.

Example

"The teachers stayed late to score the standardized math tests."


3

To cut, scratch, or draw a shallow line or mark on a surface.

Example

"The recipe requires you to score the top of the bread dough before baking."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for score

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'scoru' (twenty), borrowed from Old Norse 'skor' (notch, tally, twenty). This relates to the historical practice of counting items in groups of twenty by carving a deep notch on a tally stick.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Score. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/score
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