scratch
scratch Lexical Profile
scratch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mark or shallow wound made on a surface or the skin by something sharp or rough.
"There was a noticeable scratch on the side door of the new car."
An act of rubbing the skin with the fingernails to relieve an itch, or a rasping sound produced by scraping.
"The dog rolled over onto its back, hoping for a gentle belly scratch."
The starting point or a state of having nothing at the beginning of a project or endeavor (chiefly used in the phrase 'from scratch').
"After the computer crashed, the software engineer had to rebuild the database from scratch."
A competitor or horse withdrawn from a race or contest before it begins, or a foul shot in billiards and pool.
"The favored thoroughbred was a late scratch from the derby due to a minor ankle sprain."
American Money or cash (slang).
"He worked overtime all summer to save up enough scratch for a down payment on a motorcycle."
• verb
To rub the skin with the fingernails or claws in order to relieve itching.
"The doctor advised the patient not to scratch the rash, as doing so could cause an infection."
To score or mark a surface, or tear the skin, with something sharp, jagged, or rough.
"Be careful not to scratch the hardwood floor when moving the heavy bookcase."
To cancel, strike out, or withdraw a plan, entry, or competitor from a list or competition.
"We had to scratch our plans for a weekend picnic because of the approaching storm."
To make a living or gather something with great difficulty or effort.
"Early settlers had to scratch a meager living from the rocky, arid soil."
To commit a foul in pool or billiards, such as by driving the cue ball into a pocket.
"He was one shot away from winning the frame, but he accidentally scratched on the eight ball."
• adjective
Assembled or made from whatever is available at short notice; impromptu.
"The neighborhood kids organized a scratch game of baseball in the empty lot."
Prepared from basic, raw ingredients rather than a pre-packaged mix.
"The bakery is famous across the county for its scratch biscuits and pies."
Having no handicap or allowance in a game or competition, especially golf.
"After years of dedicated practice, she finally became a scratch golfer."
• Rhymes for scratch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Appearing in late Middle English, the word is likely a blend of the synonymous earlier English verbs 'scrat' and 'cratch', both of uncertain Germanic or Old French origin.