How to spell and pronounce scratch correctly | SpellRight

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Uncommon

scratch

The correct spelling is scratch.

Last verified: July 10, 2026

/skɹætʃ/

noun

IPA: /skɹætʃ/

Say it like: Scr-ach

“Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.”

“The dog sat up and had a good scratch.”

“There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.”

1.A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
2.An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
3.A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
4.A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
5.The last riders to depart in a handicap race.

1.To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
2.To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
3.To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
4.To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
5.To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).

1.For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
2.Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
3.(from scratchpad) Relating to a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
4.(of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.