scratchboard

noun

scratch·​board ˈskrach-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce scratchboard (audio)
: a black-surfaced cardboard having an undercoat of white clay on which an effect resembling engraving is achieved by scratching away portions of the surface to produce white lines

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Features photography, oil, watercolor, acrylic and scratchboard. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2022 The 152-page hardcover book traces the graphic artist's journey along the historic route through a series of black-and-white illustrations, created using a knife and coated scratchboard. Kristin Larson | Wwd, latimes.com, 9 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scratchboard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scratchboard was circa 1908

Dictionary Entries Near scratchboard

Cite this Entry

“Scratchboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scratchboard. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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