scratch pad
Americannoun
noun
-
a notebook, esp one with detachable leaves
-
computing a small semiconductor memory for temporary storage
Etymology
Origin of scratch pad
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95
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.
In a shot that likely got left in Robert Altman's scratch pad for being too on-the-nose, the Nashville star wrote "Get me to God's country" over an image of his private jet.
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2025
But they belong on your scratch pad, not in the final equation you’re presenting your employer.
From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2022
A customizable and attractive homepage now gives you a quick view of your most recent notes and can also include a scratch pad, pinned notes or notebooks, the new task listing, and a calendar.
From The Verge • Jul. 23, 2021
Computer makers for decades have relied on chips called dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM, to act like a scratch pad to hold data temporarily that programs use frequently.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2016
I got up, went to Kevin’s office and took a small scratch pad and a new pen from his desk and the large atlas from his bookcase.
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
