Meaning & Definition
noun
A mark or cut made by scratching.
She had a scratch on her cheek from the cat.
A temporary solution or a preliminary version.
He made a scratch of the design before finalizing it.
A noise or sound produced by a rough contact.
There was a scratch on the record that caused a distortion in the music.
verb
To rub a surface with something sharp or pointed in order to scrape off a layer.
She scratched the surface of the wood to remove the paint.
To make a small cut or mark on a surface, typically with a fingernail or sharp object.
He accidentally scratched his arm on the thorny bush.
To cancel or eliminate something, especially a plan or idea.
They had to scratch their plans for a picnic due to the rain.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old Norse ‘skratta’ meaning 'to scratch or scrape'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
scratch someone's back:
To help someone with the expectation that they will return the favor.
start from scratch:
To begin again from the very beginning without any advance or preparation.
scratch the surface:
To only address or explore a small part of a subject or issue.
Slang Meanings
Money or cash.
I need to find some scratch to pay the bills.
A sudden cancellation or withdrawal.
They gave him the scratch on the event at the last minute.