scrapper

¹ American  

[skrap-er] / ˈskræp ər /

noun

1. a person who removes or does away with scraps.

---

scrapper ² American  

[skrap-er] / ˈskræp ər /

noun

Informal.

1. a fighter or aggressive competitor, especially one always ready or eager for a fight, argument, or contest.

   the best lightweight scrapper in boxing; a rugged political scrapper.

---

Etymology

Origin of scrapper¹

First recorded in 1640–50; scrap ¹ + -er ¹

Origin of scrapper²

First recorded in 1870–75; scrap ² + -er ¹

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scrapper

Gawky and bespectacled but with the brio of a scrapper, Pearlman was dressed like a quintessential sports geek: black-and-yellow Pittsburgh Pirates hat and Pittsburgh Maulers shirt, the latter a long-gone professional football team.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2025

Sean Dyche is a scrapper and his Everton side are enjoying a strong end to the season.

From BBC ● May 16, 2024

But Daryl was always an old-school scrapper, giving him an edge.

From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2023

A scrapper, fighter, hustler and striver, Inez — portrayed by Taylor in a fierce, career-defining turn — will not back down when it comes to the son she insists on fighting for.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 29, 2023

But I jest want you to know that they’s one man that appreciates you for a plain scrapper.

From Hidden Water by Maynard Dixon

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• assailant
• boxer
• champion
• combatant
• mercenary
• militant
• opponent
• soldier
• tanker
• warlord
• warrior

---