itching
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or characterized by an irritating sensation of the skin.
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of, relating to, or having a longing or desire to do or have something.
An itching public anxiously awaits her announcement.
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characterized by restlessness or the desire for adventure or activity.
an itching impulse to travel.
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characterized by the desire to grasp; grasping; an itching palm open for a bribe.
noun
Other Word Forms
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.
For investors itching to buy the dip, it’s a crucial distinction.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2026
The second pathway, known as the spinothalamic tract, transmits sensations involving pain, itching, and certain types of touch.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026
"Outside of the immense discomfort they cause by itching, they don't usually carry any health risks", he said.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
Whether or not Misty Green leads to even bigger things, Eleazar isn’t itching to move to Hollywood anytime soon, preferring to remain near her family in London.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
He nodded, but it was halfhearted, like he was already itching to go.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
