scratch
verb (used with object)
to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
have been scratching
-
present perfect progressiveof scratch.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Oil analysts have been scratching their heads for months about why prices haven’t risen more.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
The team have been scratching their heads trying to work out who these women were.
From BBC ● Dec. 31, 2025
Gerrard will have been scratching his head as to how his side was not comfortably in front by the interval, so he probably knew what was coming in the second half.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 9, 2022
It will come as a blow to Treasury officials and policymakers at the Bank of England, who have been scratching their heads over Britain’s poor productivity performance and hoping for a turnaround.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 7, 2016
Several old crones and children have been scratching in the grass, from daylight until dark, collecting the grains of corn which the mules had left.
From Narrative of the March of Co. A, Engineers from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Fort Bridger, Utah, and Return May 6 to October 3, 1858 by William P. Seville
