scratchy

adjective

ˈskra-chē 

scratchier; scratchiest

1

: marked or made with scratches

scratchy drawing

scratchy handwriting

2

: likely to scratch : prickly

scratchy undergrowth

3

: making a scratching noise

4

: uneven in quality : ragged

5

: causing tingling or itching : irritating

scratchy wool

6

: somewhat inflamed and sore

a scratchy throat

scratchily

ˈskra-chə-lē 

adverb

scratchiness

ˈskra-chē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• brambly
• prickly
• thistly
• thorny

Examples of scratchy in a Sentence

listening to scratchy old records

The costume is made from scratchy material.

He is sick with a scratchy throat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like linen, hemp is a strong fiber that can be a little bit scratchy. —Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024

Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier: on sale for $39.99 Original price: $49.99 (Amazon) A humidifier can help with dry coughs, congestion, nose bleeds, itchy eyes and scratchy throats. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025

Richter draws on the survivor memoirs written and recorded by his relatives, collaging actual photographs with his own scratchy but realistic drawings. —Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

Several praised the smart design, including pockets that can store small items like your phone and keys comfortably, and the soft material that didn’t get scratchy or pill after several machine washes. —Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scratchy

• catchy
• patchy
• apache
• malachi

Kids Definition

scratchy

adjective

ˈskrach-ē 

scratchier; scratchiest

1

: likely to scratch or make sore or raw : prickly

scratchy woolens

2

: making a scratching noise

3

: marked or made with scratches

a scratchy surface

scratchy handwriting

4

: uneven in quality : ragged

played a scratchy game of golf

5

: somewhat sore

a scratchy throat

scratchiness noun