scratchy

adjective

ˈskra-chē 

scratchier; scratchiest

1

: marked or made with scratches

scratchy drawing

scratchy handwriting

2

: likely to scratch : prickly

scratchy undergrowth

3

: making a scratching noise

4

: uneven in quality : ragged

5

: causing tingling or itching : irritating

scratchy wool

6

: somewhat inflamed and sore

a scratchy throat

scratchily

ˈskra-chə-lē 

adverb

scratchiness

ˈskra-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• jagged
• thorny
• prickly

Examples of scratchy in a Sentence

listening to scratchy old records

The costume is made from scratchy material.

He is sick with a scratchy throat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Say goodbye to the scratchy feel and five o’clock shadow. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 23 June 2025

This one attaches easily to your carry-on and spares you from those scratchy airline blankets. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025

For example, dry air, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke often lead to a scratchy throat and hoarseness. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Everything was soft to touch except the scratchy instrument binnacle. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scratchy

• catchy
• patchy
• apache
• malachi

Kids Definition

scratchy

adjective

ˈskrach-ē 

scratchier; scratchiest

1

: likely to scratch or make sore or raw : prickly

scratchy woolens

2

: making a scratching noise

3

: marked or made with scratches

a scratchy surface

scratchy handwriting

4

: uneven in quality : ragged

played a scratchy game of golf

5

: somewhat sore

a scratchy throat

scratchiness noun