scouring

1 of 2

noun

scour·​ing ˈskau̇(-ə)r-iŋ 

1

: material removed by scouring or cleaning

2

: the lowest rank of society

—usually plural

scouring

2 of 2

present participle of scour entry 1, scour entry 3

Examples of scouring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

First, the continuous scouring action of the water jet removes slag and oxidized sputtering residues, producing a clean processing interface with smooth inner walls and vertical groove profiles. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Stay away from abrasive steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh powders that can damage and scratch the floor’s surface. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2026

Because most of the unredacted logs listed only the officers’ initials, reporters spent weeks scouring agencies’ websites, city staff directories, statewide badge registries and news articles to reveal the officers’ identities. — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Don’t use scouring powders or abrasive creams, or rust removers. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scouring

• scouring rush

Rhymes for scouring

• cowering
• flowering
• glowering
• powering
• showering
• souring
• towering
• devouring
• empowering