scrape

verb \ ˈskrāp \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Examples: scrape in a Sentence

Definition of scrape

scraped; scraping

transitive verb

1 a : 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

2 a : 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

—

scraper

noun

See scrape defined for English-language learners

See scrape defined for kids

Examples of scrape in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of scrape from the Web

Remove chicken from casserole, scrape off the marinade and reserve.

— claire perez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Moroccan chicken tagine a flavorful and aromatic stew," 29 June 2018
Swirl completely smooth — 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl.

— leah eskin, chicagotribune.com, "How to dry-braise chicken and banish badly poached bouncy meat," 27 June 2018
Just before adding the food to the grill, scrape the heated grill grates clean.

— jeanmarie brownson, charlotteobserver, "Control the heat to grill the perfect steak," 26 June 2018
Where past England teams might have wilted in warm temperatures, this one pressed with high-tempo intensity to ensure there was no need to scrape a victory like on Monday against Tunisia.

— CBS News, "England advances to World Cup knockout round with resounding 6-1 win over Panama," 24 June 2018
The downside: until Facebook instituted more restrictions, Facebook Login let third-party apps scrape information about your Facebook activity.

— brett molina, USA TODAY, "Why you might start seeing 'Login with Snapchat' on other apps," 15 June 2018
But that rate could have been higher if not for a five-game swoon — all against Big Ten opponents — during which Maryland failed to scrape the .500 mark.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Review & preview: Maryland men’s lacrosse," 12 June 2018
The city estimated start-up costs at $111 million, for which Boise could scrape together $26 million to $38 million from existing sources.

— maria l. la ganga, idahostatesman, "Hey Boise: Salt Lake City has commuter rail, buses people use, and lessons for you," 10 June 2018
During a dermaplaning session, the dermatologist or esthetician uses a medical-grade scalpel to scrape (not cut!) across the surface of the skin.

— jessica cruel, SELF, "What’s Up With Dermaplaning? Here’s What Scalpel Facials Are Actually Doing to Your Face," 8 June 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.

Origin and Etymology of scrape

Middle English, from Old Norse skrapa; akin to Old English scrapian to scrape, Latin scrobis ditch, Russian skresti to scrape

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

scrape Synonyms

scrape

noun

Definition of scrape

1 a : the act or process of scraping

b : a sound made by scraping

c : a mark or injury caused by scraping : abrasion

bumps and scrapes

2 a : 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

4 a : a distressing encounter

a scrape with death

b : altercation, fight

See scrape defined for English-language learners

Examples of scrape in a Sentence

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 of scrape from the Web

The suspect was transported to a hospital, but his injuries were not considered serious, according to Heims, who said the officers involved in the confrontation suffered minor scrapes.

— city news service, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Suspect suffers non-life-threatening injuries in police confrontation," 3 July 2018
The aggravated assault count, a felony, stems from Officer Matthew Harris having cuts and scrapes on his knuckles, arms and knees from the struggle with Conde.

— uriel j. garcia, azcentral, "Mesa police video shows officers punching, mocking man in drug arrest," 13 June 2018
Murphy and Gibney had minor injuries from the struggle, including cuts and scrapes to their arms, hands and knees.

— laney ruckstuhl, BostonGlobe.com, "Man who assaulted two Yarmouth officers had more than 30 previous charges," 11 June 2018
Patmon, who suffered scrapes and bruises, was taken into a nearby hospital and later charged with obstructing an officer and violating his probation, police said.

— tim stelloh /, NBC News, "Georgia officer fired after body camera shows him ram fleeing suspect," 3 June 2018
The involved officer suffered scrapes to his knee and the mall security guard suffered some cuts to his hand.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tosa police officer remains on normal duty after scuffle with teen at Mayfair Mall," 15 May 2018
Another had cuts, scrapes and a bruise on the head, authorities said.

— bayan wang, azcentral, "Officials: Yavapai County residents turn the tables on two home invaders," 7 June 2018
So why keep all that lumber, scrape metal and tools?

— maria ward, Houston Chronicle, "Staying Organized: More services, less clutter," 18 May 2018
Inside, my eye is caught by Boucherie Trolliet, where pied de veau cuit (cooked calf's foot) can be bought for about $5, and a young butcher jabs, scrapes and cuts at a leg of lamb, trimming it into shape.

— will hawkes, chicagotribune.com, "A fearless foodie's foray into the bouchons of Lyon, France," 19 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of scrape

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

scrape Synonyms

Synonyms

brush, encounter, hassle, run-in, skirmish;

battle, brawl, fray, wrangle;

SCRAPE Defined for English Language Learners

scrape

verb

Definition of scrape for English Language Learners

: 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

Definition of scrape for English Language Learners

: 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