The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative scratchier, superlative scratchiest
Characterized by scratches. quotations examples
An indulgent playmate, Grannie would lay aside the long scratchy-looking letter she was writing (heavily crossed ‘to save notepaper’) and enter into the delightful pastime of ‘a chicken from Mr Whiteley's’.
1977, Agatha Christie, chapter 4, in An Autobiography, part I, London: Collins
(chiefly of a sore throat) Irritating; itchy. examples
(informal, of an analogue radio transmission) Noisy, lossy; marred by white noise or static as a result of poor or low signal, interference or unfavourable atmospheric conditions. examples
(of a phonograph record) Having popping and/or crackling sounds due to excessive wear, especially from scratch marks. quotations examples
Once he almost fell asleep, and then the little record player started up in his mother and father's bedroom. Mom was playing her scratchy Elvis 45s again.
1991, Stephen King, Needful Things
(informal) Irritable; tetchy. quotations examples
'Now, now, don't get scratchy,' said Casali. 'You've got enough troubles of your own. […]
1978, Attilio Veraldi, The Payoff, page 105