scrape

[ skreyp ]

/ skreɪp /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: scrape / scraped / scraping on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), scraped, scrap·ing.

to deprive of or free from an outer layer, adhering matter, etc., or to smooth by drawing or rubbing something, especially a sharp or rough instrument, over the surface: to scrape a table to remove paint and varnish.

to remove (an outer layer, adhering matter, etc.) in this way: to scrape the paint and varnish from a table.

to scratch, injure, or mar the surface of in this way: to scrape one's arm on a rough wall.

to produce by scraping: He scraped his initials on the rock.

to collect or do by or as if by scraping; do or gather laboriously or with difficulty (usually followed by up or together): They managed to scrape together a football team.

to rub harshly on or across (something): Don't scrape the floor with your boots!

to draw or rub (a thing) roughly across something: Scrape your shoes on the doormat before you come in.

to level (an unpaved road) with a grader.

Digital Technology. to extract (data) from a digital source for automated replication, formatting, or manipulation by a computer program, as in data mining or website data analysis: This project scrapes comments on online forums for linguistic research.We can scrape older data from obsolete systems with a very simple interface.

verb (used without object), scraped, scrap·ing.

to scrape something.

to rub against something gratingly.

to produce a grating and unmusical tone from a string instrument.

to draw one's foot back noisily along the ground in making a bow.

to manage or get by with difficulty or with only the barest margin: I barely scraped through on the test.

to economize or save by attention to even the slightest amounts: By careful scraping they managed to survive.

noun

an act or instance of scraping.

a drawing back of the foot noisily along the ground in making a bow.

a harsh, shrill, or scratching sound made by scraping.

a scraped place: a scrape on one's elbow.

an embarrassing or distressing situation; predicament: He is always in some kind of a scrape.

a difference of opinion, fight, or quarrel; scrap.

Digital Technology.

the process of extracting data from a digital source for automated replication, formatting, or manipulation by a computer program, as in data mining or website data analysis: How long will the scrape take to complete?
the product of this process: The scrape maliciously copied private content to manipulate search engine rankings.

OTHER WORDS FOR scrape

15 scrimp, stint, pinch.

See synonyms for scrape on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of scrape

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb scrapen, from Old Norse skrapa (replacing Middle English shrapen Old English scrapian “to scratch”); cognate with Old Norse skrapa; noun derivative of the verb

OTHER WORDS FROM scrape

scrap·a·ble, adjectivescrapeage, nounun·scraped, adjective

Words nearby scrape

scran, scrannel, Scranton, scrap, scrapbook, scrape, scrape in, scraper, scraperboard, scrape through, scrape together

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scrape in a sentence

A case with a raised edge around the screen can provide a handy bumper that surrounds the display and protects it from small bumps, scrapes, and accidental trips to the floor.
The best Apple Watch case to protect the computer on your wrist|Stan Horaczek|August 23, 2021|Popular-Science
After spending weeks on a Conservation Corps in the Arizona desert last fall, my work pants reeked of urine and my legs suffered dozens of scrapes from trying to find a secluded spot to squat in thorny Devils Claw.
Tested: Pants You Can Pee In|Claire Barber|June 24, 2021|Outside Online
There might some scrapes on it, but unless it gets run over by a car, it really shouldn’t crack or anything.
A college pitcher is trying to turn the theft of his prosthetic arm into a charity drive|Cindy Boren|May 7, 2021|Washington Post
Compean, who sustained just a few minor cuts and scrapes, yelled repeatedly to no one in particular.
A hiker was lost and desperate. A stranger with an unusual hobby saved him.|Sydney Page|April 22, 2021|Washington Post

You remember it when you park or whenever another car gets a little too close in traffic, given the pricey consequences of a scratch or scrape.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost: A magic carpet ride that costs as much as a house|Jonathan M. Gitlin|April 12, 2021|Ars Technica

British Dictionary definitions for scrape

scrape

/ (skreɪp) /

verb

to move (a rough or sharp object) across (a surface), esp to smooth or clean

(tr; often foll by away or off) to remove (a layer) by rubbing

to produce a harsh or grating sound by rubbing against (an instrument, surface, etc)

(tr) to injure or damage by rough contactto scrape one's knee

(intr) to be very economical or sparing in the use (of) (esp in the phrase scrimp and scrape)

(intr) to draw the foot backwards in making a bow

(tr) to finish (a surface) by use of a scraper

(tr) to make (a bearing, etc) fit by scraping

bow and scrape to behave with excessive humility

noun

the act of scraping

a scraped place

a harsh or grating sound

informal an awkward or embarrassing predicament

informal a conflict or struggle

Derived forms of scrape

scrapable, adjectivescraper, noun

Word Origin for scrape

Old English scrapian; related to Old Norse skrapa, Middle Dutch schrapen, Middle High German schraffen

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with scrape

scrape

see (scrape the) bottom of the barrel; bow and scrape; scare (scrape) up.

scrape

OTHER WORDS FOR scrape

Origin of scrape

OTHER WORDS FROM scrape

Words nearby scrape

Words related to scrape

How to use scrape in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scrape

Derived forms of scrape

Word Origin for scrape

Other Idioms and Phrases with scrape