Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

back scratcher

American  
Or back-scratcher,

noun

  1. a long-handled device for scratching one's own back.

  2. a person who exchanges favors or services for mutual advantage.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of back scratcher

First recorded in 1785–95


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.

See Examples For:

Second place receives a back scratcher made from a dried alligator hand, complete with four long claws.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 2, 2022

But, they didn’t really find the kind of games that scratched that particular itch, so they decided to make their own back scratcher.

From The Verge ● May 18, 2022

I’ve got an exercise regime where I use a back scratcher, because I have so many friends — especially in the gay community — who have rock hard abs and exercise videos.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 6, 2020

The front room is full of props she's planning to use - a doll with long, blonde hair for hairdressing scenarios, some noisy jewellery, a back scratcher, a sheet of wrapping paper.

From BBC ● Dec. 10, 2014

Jamie finds a back scratcher that looks like a bear paw.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training