scrape

verb \ ˈskrāp \

|Updated on: 25 Jun 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

Etchers scrape lines in their plates to create not just images but actual effects.

— mary horlock, Longreads, "The Camouflage Artist: Two Worlds Wars, Two Loves, and One Great Deception," 21 June 2018
Workers planned to get back on their hands and knees to scrape mud off more of the concrete floor in the coming weeks, but Islander was one of the lucky businesses.

— mary beth gahan, Washington Post, "Recovery is a work in progress on the Texas coastline," 31 Mar. 2018
Not everyone can afford to go to Alinea or even Girl & the Goat, but even a broke college kid can scrape together $12 for a burger.

— michael nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "Want to be a Chicago dining expert? You must visit these 12 restaurants," 1 Mar. 2018
Gently scrape the bottom of your oyster with a fork.

— sarah solomon, Town & Country, "An Etiquette Guide to Champagne and Oysters," 28 July 2017
But these sorts of studies only scrape the surface of what a city such as Detroit is really like.

— brian manzullo, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit, Flint are the worst cities to live in, 24/7 Wall St. says," 5 June 2018
With a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl often.

— lisa yockelson, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Bake this luxurious Bundt cake for a rehearsal dinner and add berries and cream," 4 June 2018
England will probably scrape through the group, and be knocked out in the second round or quarter finals.

— SI.com, "Curb Your Enthusiasm: What to Expect From England at This Summer's World Cup," 2 June 2018
Sections of rocky ground are bare, and rains scrape away what little snow remains in other spots, creating icy cover in low-lying ground.

— andrea pitzer, Washington Post, "In the deepest Arctic, sled dogs, polar bears and famed seed vault face melting snow and ice," 26 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.

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 medical office should be equipped with basic first aid supplies to handle cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries.

— evan weiner md, Philly.com, "Keeping kids safe at summer camp," 4 June 2018
Fulcher suffered broken ribs and a few minor scrapes in the May 18 crash in rural Ada County.

— cynthia sewell, idahostatesman, "Idaho congressional candidate who broke ribs in crash may leave hospital soon | Idaho Statesman," 25 May 2018
Her skin was papery and quick to bleed, as a small scrape on her elbow demonstrated.

— brett martin, Outside Online, "Katie Lee, Our Lady of Glen Canyon," 24 May 2018
The car's body, once aluminum, is now mostly fiberglass after a decade of bumps and scrapes on the racetrack.

— matt ormseth, courant.com, "New Haven Lawyer’s Austin-Healey Built To Race," 13 July 2017
But soon after his brickyard triumph, Petillo was having frequent scrapes with the law.

— will higgins, Indianapolis Star, "Some sold weed, one robbed a bank, one cut a girlfriend: Race drivers who went to prison," 22 May 2018
The woman had cuts and scrapes as a result of the attack, but refused medical attention.

— jeff piorkowski/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Pastor encounters man in church, is threatened: Solon police blotter," 20 Apr. 2018
Chop in quarters two onions, scrape and cut in half 4 carrots, clean 4 to 6 ribs of celery, and place all vegetables in the bottom of a roasting pan.

— kathryn gregory, The Courier-Journal, "Want to feast like a true Kentucky Derby pro? Try these traditional sandwich recipes," 6 Apr. 2018
The child’s sister and mother were treated for minor scrapes and pains.

— joseph a. gambardello, Philly.com, "Bystanders lift car off critically injured girl, 3, in NE Philadelphia, police say," 7 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