scratches

American  

[skrach-iz] / ˈskrætʃ ɪz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a disease of horses marked by dry rifts or chaps that appear on the skin near the fetlock, behind the knee, or in front of the hock.

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scratches British  

/ ˈskrætʃɪz /

noun

1. Also called: cracked heels.   mud fever.  (functioning as singular) a disease of horses characterized by dermatitis in the region of the fetlock

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Etymology

Origin of scratches

First recorded in 1605–15; see origin at scratch, -s ³

Example Sentences

The video includes photos of superficial scratches on the vehicle’s expensive leather seats and door panel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Since it’s unlikely we’ll ever afford a riverfront property, the dazzling cinematography on “The Madison” scratches that itch.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

“Our 737 program is performing rework on a group of airplanes to fix wires that have small scratches due to a machining error,” a Boeing spokesperson said.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Several key contributors such as Venezuela’s Jose Altuve and Puerto Rico’s Carlos Correa were late scratches from the tournament because the WBC’s insurance provider denied them policies due to their injury history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

"Check out the scratches on it. Those are the marks the pen made when Daisy wrote the recipe on the top page."

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene