Scratching

/ˈskrætʃɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An act or instance of scratching.

There was a scratching at the door that made everyone look up.

A mark or injury made by scratching.

The scratching on the table was left by the cat's claws.

verb

The action of scraping or digging into a surface with a sharp or pointed object.

She was scratching the surface of the paper to reveal the hidden message.

To use one's fingernails or claws to relieve an itch.

He kept scratching his arm after the mosquito bite.

To cancel or delete something, especially from a list.

They are scratching the last item from the agenda for today's meeting.

Derived from the verb 'scratch', meaning to scrape or rub a surface with a sharp object.

scratch the surface

To deal with a subject only superficially.

itch and scratch

To feel a strong desire to do something, or to have an itch that needs to be scratched.

scratch your back

To help someone with the expectation that they will help you in return.

scratch

To score a surface with a sharp or pointed object.

scraper

A tool or implement used for scraping.

scrape

To remove something from a surface by rubbing it with a rough material.

To earn money quickly or through dubious means.

He's been scratching together some cash for the weekend.

To cancel or withdraw from something.

I had to scratch my plans for the concert.