Scotch

1 of 7

adjective

ˈskäch 

1

: scottish

2

: inclined to frugality

Scotch

2 of 7

noun (1)

1

: scots

2

plural in construction : the people of Scotland

3

often not capitalized : whiskey distilled in Scotland especially from malted barley

called also Scotch whisky

Scotch

3 of 7

trademark

—used for adhesive tape

scotch

4 of 7

verb (1)

ˈskäch 

scotched; scotching; scotches

transitive verb

1

archaic : cut, gash, score

also : wound

we have scotched the snake, not killed it

—William Shakespeare

2

: to put an end to

scotched rumors of a military takeover

scotch

5 of 7

noun (2)

: a superficial cut : score

scotch

6 of 7

noun (3)

: a chock to prevent rolling or slipping

scotch

7 of 7

verb (2)

scotched; scotching; scotches

transitive verb

1

: to block with a chock

2

: hinder, thwart

Examples of Scotch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In other words, the distilleries behind the whiskies might be familiar and beloved names to scotch whisky fans, but the releases in the collection are unique expressions that have never been done before and feature special artwork and labels, making the bottles true collector’s items. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2024

The scheme was scotched during Boris Johnson’s time as London mayor. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2024

Noun

The Delaney With its mix of smoky scotch, vermouth, and bitter Campari, the drink is a sophisticated sip to steady your nerves. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

In response, the Trump administration put a 25 percent import tariff on single malt scotch whisky, further escalating the spirits trade war and shocking many in the industry after a quarter century of zero tariffs on scotch. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

contraction of Scottish

Verb (1)

Middle English scocchen to gash, from Anglo-French escocher, eschocher to pierce

Noun (3)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1639, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1642, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Scotch

• Scotch bonnet
• Scotch broom
• Scotch broth
• Scotch egg
• Scotch pine
• Scotch terrier
• Scotch verdict
• Scotch woodcock

Kids Definition

scotch

1 of 3 verb

ˈskäch

1

archaic : to injure so as to make temporarily harmless

2

: to stamp out : crush

especially : to put an end to by showing the untruth of

scotch a rumor

Scotch

2 of 3 adjective

ˈskäch 

: scottish entry 1

Scotch

3 of 3 noun

1

: scots

2

Scotch plural : the people of Scotland

3

often not capitalized : whiskey made in Scotland especially from barley