- present participle of itch.
itching
Americanadjective
-
of, relating to, or characterized by an irritating sensation of the skin.
-
of, relating to, or having a longing or desire to do or have something.
An itching public anxiously awaits her announcement.
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characterized by restlessness or the desire for adventure or activity.
an itching impulse to travel.
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characterized by the desire to grasp; grasping; an itching palm open for a bribe.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of itching
before 1000; Middle English ( y ) ichinge, ( y ) itchinge (noun, adj.); replacing Old English giccende (adj.). See itch, -ing 2, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’ve gone from being so excited to move here and so proud of myself for getting into this school,” she said, “to itching for graduation so I can finally leave.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
Ever since, McCreary has been itching to dive into that arena.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
The findings, made in mouse models, reveal a dedicated sensory system that may eventually help scientists develop better treatments for chronic itching disorders.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
With the jab, you may get little bit of skin redness, itching or mild swelling where you inject.
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
“A little,” Florida said, “and I'm about swole up and itching to death from these skeeter bites.”
From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
