scratch

²scratch

noun

Definition of SCRATCH

1

: a mark or injury produced by scratching; also : a slight wound

2

: scrawl, scribble

3

: the sound made by scratching

4

: the starting line in a race

5

a : a test of courage b : satisfactory condition, level, or performance <not up to scratch>

6

: a contestant whose name is withdrawn

7

: poultry feed (as mixed grains) scattered on the litter or ground especially to induce birds to exercise —called also scratch feed

8

a : a shot in billiards or pool that ends a player's turn; specifically : a shot in pool in which the cue ball falls into the pocket b : a shot that scores by chance : fluke

9

slang : money, funds

— from scratch

1

: from a point at which nothing has been done ahead of time <build a school system from scratch>

2

: without using a prepared mixture of ingredients <bake a cake from scratch>

Examples of SCRATCH

1. There's a scratch in the paint on the new car!
2. The table is an antique but it doesn't have any dents or scratches.
3. I got a scratch on my leg when I climbed the fence.
4. The only sound in the room during the test was the scratch of pencils on paper.
5. We don't have the scratch to buy a new car.

First Known Use of SCRATCH

circa 1586

Related to SCRATCH

Synonyms: creak, grind, jar, scrape, rasp

Related Words: clang, clangor, clank, clash, jangle; scuff; croak, gargle; blast, bleat, bray, screech

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