Synonyms

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.

I’m always itching for change, no matter what I’m doing.

From Los Angeles Times

"Very few people show up for their flight itching to pick a fight with another passenger," Mr Keyes said.

From BBC

While rapid gains often leave investors nervous, and itching to dump their biggest winners, investors should stay the course.

From Barron's

That’s opened up new roles for senior marketers itching for work outside the corporate earnings cycle.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nor was there a get well soon card the time when Penelope had chicken pox and had to spend three days taking warm milk baths to stop the dreadful itching.

From Literature

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