itching

American

[ich-ing] / ˈɪtʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

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.
characterized by restlessness or the desire for adventure or activity.

an itching impulse to travel.
characterized by the desire to grasp; grasping; an itching palm open for a bribe.

noun

itch.

Other Word Forms

itchingly

adverb

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.

Unlike many other breast cancers, she said symptoms could include itching, tingling, pulling sensations, dimpling or changes to the skin rather than a distinct lump.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

I wish this weren’t the case, but my favorite thing in the world is working the legislative process to deliver for a community, and I am itching to get back to doing that work.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

But in her public statements, the governor argues that most of the blame for the violence belongs to ICE—instead of the protesters who came to Newark itching for a fight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The series features Davis as Renee, a volunteer at the community center who is itching for combat.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

“I’m taking this thing off. It’s itching like a chili pepper ant,” Valley said as they slid into the tall seafoam-green booth.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023