scrap

noun

ˈskrap 

often attributive

1

scraps plural : fragments of discarded or leftover food

2

a

: a small detached piece

a scrap of paper

b

: a fragment of something written, printed, or spoken

scraps of conversation

c

: the least bit

not a scrap of evidence

3

scraps plural : cracklings

4

a

: fragments of stock removed in manufacturing

b

: manufactured articles or parts rejected or discarded and useful only as material for reprocessing

especially : waste and discarded metal

Synonyms of scrap

• remainder
• remnant

Examples of scrap in a Sentence

only a scrap of silk was left on the sewing table after they had finished the project

a scrap of paper fluttered to the floor

brushed away a scrap of lint

the rest of this stuff is just scrap, so sweep it up and throw it away

Recent Examples on the Web

The City of Camden has ordered EMR Recycling to cease operations after more than a dozen scrap yard fires at the facility triggered air pollution concerns in recent years. —Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Brace the blade with your scrap wood, then use a wrench to tighten it. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 June 2026

Compost is decomposed organic matter, created when microorganisms break down plant materials, food scraps, leaves, manure, and other organic inputs. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 8 June 2026

Sneaking the scraps out the back door for their children showed that those working in the enslaver’s home gave value and meaning to leftovers for our children. —Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse skrap scraps; akin to Old Norse skrapa to scrape

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scrap

• scrap heap
• scrap paper

Rhymes for scrap

• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap
• lap
• nap
• nappe

Kids Definition

scrap

1 of 4 noun

ˈskrap 

1

plural : pieces of discarded or leftover food

2

: a small bit : fragment

3

: things discarded as worthless

scrap

2 of 4 verb

scrapped; scrapping

1

: to break up into scrap

2

: to discard as worthless

scrap

3 of 4 noun

: quarrel entry 1 sense 2, fight

scrap

4 of 4 verb

scrapped; scrapping

: quarrel entry 2 sense 2, fight

scrapper noun

Etymology

Middle English scrap "discarded bits of food"; of Norse origin

origin unknown