Meaning of the word scratch in English

What does scratch mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

scratch

US /skrætʃ/

UK /skrætʃ/

a mark or wound made by scratching

Example:

•

The cat left a scratch on my arm.

•

There's a deep scratch on the car door.

Synonym:

abrasion graze scrape gash cut

a starting line or position in a race or competition

Example:

•

All runners must start from the scratch line.

•

He built his business from scratch.

Synonym:

start beginning origin baseline

to mark or cut the surface of (something) with a sharp object

Example:

•

Be careful not to scratch the new table.

•

He accidentally scratched his car on the wall.

Synonym:

abrade graze scrape gash cut

to rub one's skin with one's nails to relieve itching

Example:

•

He began to scratch his head thoughtfully.

•

My arm is itching, I need to scratch it.

Synonym:

rub itch chafe