scratch
verb (used with object)
to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
was scratching
-
past progressiveof scratch.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Like his counterparts in Phoenix, dealer Matt Bowers was scratching his head earlier this year when he noticed Carvana’s Dallas store rocketing up the Stellantis sales charts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026
"In the second half I was scratching my head thinking it's a different team," said former England midfielder Karen Carney on ITV.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2025
"I was scratching my head as to what this means because this pattern doesn't fit anything that we know about these systems," Pasham recalls.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 27, 2024
Day was scratching his way back with a depleted crew of wranglers and a wounded backcountry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2022
Calder was scratching his chin with the F pentomino.
From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett
