scratch
verb (used with object)
to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
has scratched
-
present perfectof scratch (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
“When people believe in each other, impossible dreams become possible,” reads another message the coach has scratched onto the wall of his office.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
Fried dough has scratched guilty pleasure for millennia.
From Salon ● Feb. 5, 2026
Mina is a notoriously bad-tempered ape, who has scratched and bitten dozens of locals on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
From Economist ● Feb. 22, 2018
In fact, they’re more durable than the physical copy, as anyone who has scratched a CD or had a package get lost in the mail or misplaced a beloved book would likely agree.
From Slate ● Oct. 25, 2016
"By Jiminy, she has scratched the wrong dog's ear!" he growled to me as we went to the door together.
From The Ivory Trail by Talbot Mundy
