scouring

noun

scour·​ing ˈskau̇(-ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce scouring (audio)
Synonyms of scouringnext
1
: material removed by scouring or cleaning
2
: the lowest rank of society
usually used in plural

Examples of scouring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And why not—shouldn't the scouring and sanitizing properties of a dishwasher tablet make your washing machine sparkle? Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025 Don't use scouring powders or abrasive creams, or rust removers. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025 Current solutions include using chloramine as a disinfectant, periodic backwashing to prevent biofilms from forming on the membrane, and air scouring. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 That’s an advantageous position to snatch diamonds in the rough discarded by other teams, but the Giants may not be active scouring waivers. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scouring

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scouring was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Scouring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scouring. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

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