scrape

verb

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\ 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 Phrases Containing scrape Learn More About scrape

Synonyms for scrape

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Mississippi and Louisiana have the nation’s highest poverty rates, and residents make deep sacrifices to scrape up enough for their appointments. — Char Adams, NBC News, 7 May 2022 His swiveling, crossing feet scrape coal dust on the floor with the rhythmic phrasing of a great jazz drummer playing brushes. — Brian Seibert, The New York Review of Books, 27 Apr. 2022 Dermaplaning, whether done by a professional or with at-home dermaplaning tools, removes peach fuzz and exfoliates skin by using a single blade to scrape hair off at the surface of the skin. — April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 26 Apr. 2022 Mining firms want to scrape the seabed for minerals used in electric car batteries. — Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2022 Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. — New York Times, 16 Mar. 2022 Use a knife to scrape vanilla bean seeds into cream, and add the pod. — Odette Williams, WSJ, 7 Mar. 2022 The story of women’s sports in this country has, again and again, been about teams and leagues in men’s sports figuring out how much to scrape from their crumbs into the hands of these developing teams. — Howard Megdal, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2021 At the same time, Trump has opened up new avenues for fundraising—but only for Republicans willing to bow and scrape before him. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 7 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The air was still but for the scrape of boots on asphalt and the occasional call of a bird. — Longreads, 5 May 2022 Fast-paced, amusing, and even surprising, the tale keeps us on our toes, wondering how Jack and Praiseworthy will get out of each new scrape. — Sarah Schutte, National Review, 27 Mar. 2022 The dishwasher-safe set comes with a solid spoon, a slotted spoon, a scrape spatula, a slotted flip spatula, and a two-in-one tasting spoon. — Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2022 Remove the bowl from the mixer, and do one last scrape-and-stir with a flexible spatula to make sure there are no dry pockets or slicks of unincorporated butter on the sides or bottom of the bowl. — Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2022 Her leggings had scrape marks on them as if she had been dragged. — cleveland, 7 Jan. 2022 The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities had crews working overnight to plow snow, scrape and groove ice, and place traction materials on state roadways across the Interior. — Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Dec. 2021 Though occasionally, his giant jeans do scrape along the city sidewalks. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 20 Dec. 2021 Police arrived at the scene to find the skull with scrape marks on it and a wire attached to it, along with two holes. — Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Dec. 2021 See More

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.

Learn More About scrape

Dictionary Entries Near scrape

scrapbooker

scrape

scrape along

Statistics for scrape

Last Updated

10 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Scrape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrape. Accessed 17 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for scrape

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.

scrape

noun

Kids Definition of scrape (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a sound, mark, or injury made by something being dragged or rubbed against something else

2 : a difficult or unpleasant situation

3 : the act of scraping