scrap

1 of 4

noun (1)

often attributive
1
scraps plural : fragments of discarded or leftover food
2
a
: a small detached piece
a scrap of paper
b
: a fragment of something written, printed, or spoken
scraps of conversation
c
: the least bit
not a scrap of evidence
3
scraps plural : cracklings
4
a
: fragments of stock removed in manufacturing
b
: manufactured articles or parts rejected or discarded and useful only as material for reprocessing
especially : waste and discarded metal

scrap

2 of 4

verb (1)

scrapped; scrapping

transitive verb

1
: to convert into scrap
2
: to abandon or get rid of as no longer of enough worth or effectiveness to retain
scrap outworn methods

scrap

3 of 4

noun (2)

: fight

scrap

4 of 4

verb (2)

scrapped; scrapping
Choose the Right Synonym for scrap

discard, cast, shed, slough, scrap, junk mean to get rid of.

discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

Examples of scrap in a Sentence

Noun (1) only a scrap of silk was left on the sewing table after they had finished the project a scrap of paper fluttered to the floor brushed away a scrap of lint the rest of this stuff is just scrap, so sweep it up and throw it away Verb (1) we've decided to scrap the second car we scrapped our plans to go to Paris, and set out the next day for Prague Noun (2) the state legislature's annual scrap over the budget several drunken revelers were involved in a scrap outside of the nightclub Verb (2) the young couple often scrapped about money and their very disparate spending habits
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Before those two scraps, UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal looks to continue his charge up the rankings against Paul Craig. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Be sure to clean the kitchen and wipe down counters immediately after cooking to remove any scraps of food. Tamara Gane, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Yang’s post inspired other employers to speak out about the way savvy job seekers are abusing AI tools—and how some are scrapping their trusty interview questions in favour of a more conversational approach in response. Alena Botros, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 Scheduled to be scrapped in Mexico, it was purchased by undersea design company DEEP. David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrap 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old Norse skrap scraps; akin to Old Norse skrapa to scrape

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

circa 1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1846, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

circa 1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scrap

Cite this Entry

“Scrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrap. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrap

1 of 4 noun
1
plural : pieces of discarded or leftover food
2
: a small bit : fragment
3
: things discarded as worthless

scrap

2 of 4 verb
scrapped; scrapping
1
: to break up into scrap
2
: to discard as worthless

scrap

3 of 4 noun

scrap

4 of 4 verb
scrapped; scrapping
scrapper noun
Etymology

Noun

Middle English scrap "discarded bits of food"; of Norse origin

Noun

origin unknown

More from Merriam-Webster on scrap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!