scrape

verb

\ ˈskrāp

scraped; scraping

Definition of scrape

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to remove from a surface by usually repeated strokes of an edged instrument

b : to make (a surface) smooth or clean with strokes of an edged instrument or an abrasive

2a : to grate harshly over or against

b : to damage or injure the surface of by contact with a rough surface

c : to draw roughly or noisily over a surface

3 : to collect by or as if by scraping —often used with up or together scrape up the price of a ticket

intransitive verb

1 : to move in sliding contact with a rough surface

2 : to accumulate money by small economies

3 : to draw back the foot along the ground in making a bow

4 : to make one's way with difficulty : barely manage or succeed just scraped through at school working two jobs and barely scraping by

scrape

noun

Definition of scrape (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : the act or process of scraping

b : a sound made by scraping

c : a mark or injury caused by scraping : abrasion bumps and scrapes

2a : the nest of a bird consisting of a usually shallow depression in the ground

b : a cleared area on the forest floor made by a male deer during breeding season to attract a doe

3 : a bow made with a drawing back of the foot along the ground

4a : a distressing encounter a scrape with death

b : altercation, fight

Other Words from scrape Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about scrape

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for scrape

Synonyms: Verb

grate, grind, rasp, scratch

Synonyms: Noun

brush, encounter, hassle, run-in, skirmish

Examples of scrape in a Sentence

Verb

Someone had scraped the car with a key. I scraped one of the chairs while bringing it up the stairs. I scraped my knee when I fell. fingernails scraping against a blackboard the sound of chairs scraping on the floor as people stood to leave The boat scraped against the edge of the dock. She scraped her fingernails across the blackboard. The deer scraped its antlers against the tree. Scrape the seeds into a bowl. Scrape the paint from the wood.

Noun

There's a scrape on the fender that wasn't there yesterday. I got a scrape on my knee when I fell. We survived the accident with a few minor bumps and scrapes. She got into a few scrapes with the police when she was younger. the scrape of fingernails on a blackboard

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

By putting the ability to own a stake in the entire stock market into the hands of any investor who could scrape together what was for many years Vanguard’s required account minimum of $3,000, Mr. Bogle helped democratize financial markets. — Jason Zweig, WSJ, "John C. Bogle, Founder of Vanguard Group, Dies at 89," 17 Jan. 2019 If the wax is still soft, freeze the item to harden the wax, and then scrape off the excess wax. — Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping, "The Best Way to Remove Candle Wax from Clothes, Carpet, and More," 24 Dec. 2018 Even so, none can match the practicality of the 911, thanks to the Porsche's bigger trunk, better visibility, and a front lip that won’t scrape every parking lot entrance and exit. — Alexander George, Popular Mechanics, "Why Does Everyone Love the Porsche 911?," 21 Dec. 2018 Samsung is currently in talks with carriers to see who can scrape together a mobile 5G network by then. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "Samsung reportedly planning five flagship phone models for early 2019," 20 Nov. 2018 If vanilla bean is whole, slice down the side of the bean with the back of a knife, and scrape seeds into an airtight container with the sugar. — Rebekah Denn, The Seattle Times, "Vanilla extract costs what? A worldwide shortage means it’s time to find other options," 23 Aug. 2018 Use a rubber spatula to scrape one-quarter of dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap. — Adina Steiman, WSJ, "This Holiday Season’s Smartest Cookie," 5 Dec. 2018 One option is to find a good tool to use to scrape the residue from the surface. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How to Remove Sticker Residue from Any Surface," 28 Nov. 2018 The best way to remove peach fuzz is with dermaplaning, which is when a dermatologist or aesthetician uses a surgical scalpel to gently scrape unwanted peach fuzz and dead skin from the face. — Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "Facial Hair Removal Guide: How to Remove Every Unwanted Hair From Your Face," 10 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The news release said officers suffered cuts, scrapes, bites and bruises that required treatment at a hospital. — Alex Derosier And Jonathan Drew, Fox News, "DA: No charges for police videotaped subduing man with baton," 20 Aug. 2018 During one of them, a field of minute cries, scrapes, whistles, trills, drones and multiphonics comes at you as if from underwater. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Bella Voce looks back on its storied past, Bach Week projects spirit of its namesake forward," 29 Apr. 2018 Another local company, Microsoft, had its own scrape with an activist investor — ValueAct Capital — that ended last year. — Scott Deveau, The Seattle Times, "Activist investor Bill Ackman buys $900 million stake in Starbucks," 9 Oct. 2018 The specter of death is always there for Janet, whether through her interactions with Ed White’s widow (Olivia Hamilton) or the scrapes and bruises her husband comes home with after an accident with a lunar landing vehicle simulator. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "First Man is one of the most intense space movies of all time," 12 Sep. 2018 Nexus Services, the Virginia company that provided Zachary Cruz with a job and living quarters after his own scrape with the law, is sponsoring the effort. — Washington Post, "School shooting suspect’s brother starts anti-bully campaign," 14 June 2018 Many of the bumps and scrapes that come from a scooter tumble are minor, and there is no good way to track them. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "Electric scooters’ sudden invasion of American cities, explained," 7 Sep. 2018 Fulcher suffered broken ribs and a few minor scrapes. — Cynthia Sewell, idahostatesman, "Idaho GOP congressional nominee hurt in motorcycle crash | Idaho Statesman," 21 May 2018 The showers and nozzles are controlled by a motion sensor and a rubberized surface will be installed to minimize scrapes. — Ben Brasch, ajc, "Cobb’s splash pad is opening soon for summer," 17 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scrape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about scrape

Dictionary Entries near scrape

Statistics for scrape

Last Updated

22 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for scrape

The first known use of scrape was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for scrape

scrape

verb

English Language Learners Definition of scrape

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to damage (the surface of something) or hurt (a part of your body) by rubbing something rough or sharp against it or by making it rub against something rough or sharp

: to rub or cause (something) to rub against a hard surface and make a harsh and usually unpleasant sound

: to remove (something) from a surface by rubbing an object or tool against it

scrape

noun

English Language Learners Definition of scrape (Entry 2 of 2)

: a mark or injury that is caused by something rubbing against something else

: a bad, dangerous, or unpleasant situation

: a harsh and usually unpleasant sound that is made when something rubs against a hard surface

See the full definition for scrape in the English Language Learners Dictionary

scrape

verb

\ ˈskrāp

scraped; scraping

Kids Definition of scrape

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to remove by repeated strokes with something sharp or rough He scraped a patch of crust off with his fingernail.— Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee

2 : to clean or smooth by rubbing I scraped the windshield to clear off the ice.

3 : to rub or cause to rub so as to make a harsh noise The boat's keel scraped the stony bottom.

4 : to hurt or roughen by dragging against a rough surface I scraped my knee on the pavement.

5 : to get with difficulty and a little at a time I'm trying to scrape up money.