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

Warm beverages with cannabis extracts may soothe scratchy throats while providing hydration. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

Scratchy or Sore Throat The common cold can cause a scratchy or sore throat (pharyngitis), which usually resolves on its own within one week. —Lauren Schlanger, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025

One thing that has struck me is that the notion of hypersensitivity to sensory issues such as scratchy clothes, bright lights, smells and so on, is more characteristic of girls on the spectrum than boys. —Matt Villano, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

It’s made from a comfortable wool blend that’s not scratchy or rigid, while the sash at the waist and the notched lapels ensure an easy way to dress up even your simplest airport outfits. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 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