scrap

/skræp/
/skræp/
IPA guide

Other forms: scraps; scrapped; scrapping

A scrap is a little leftover bit of something. You might jot down notes on a scrap of paper, or you might toss a scrap of food to your happy dog.

A scrap is typically a small item that originally was part of something larger, like a scrap of fabric that was once part of a larger piece. Scrap can also describe something that’s no longer useful. For example, you might take scrap metal to the recycling center. A final meaning of the noun scrap is "fight," as in "I got into a scrap with my brother." Scrap also has a verb form that means "discard." When you scrap your plan to move to the Bahamas, that means you’re abandoning the plan.

Definitions of scrap
  1. noun
    a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
    synonyms: bit, chip, flake, fleck
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    types:
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    matchwood
    fragments of wood
    exfoliation, scale, scurf
    a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin
    scurf
    (botany) a covering that resembles scales or bran that covers some plant parts
    sliver, splinter
    a small thin sharp bit of wood or glass or metal
    dander
    small scales from animal skins or hair or bird feathers that can cause allergic reactions in some people
    dandruff
    loose scales shed from the scalp
    type of:
    fragment
    a piece broken off or cut off of something else
  2. noun
    a small piece of something that is left over after the rest has been used
    “she jotted it on a scrap of paper”
    “there was not a scrap left”
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    type of:
    piece
    a separate part of a whole
  3. noun
    worthless material that is to be disposed of
    synonyms: garbage, refuse, rubbish, trash
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    types:
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    scrap metal
    discarded metal suitable for reprocessing
    debris, detritus, dust, junk, rubble
    the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
    litter
    rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places)
    slack
    dust consisting of a mixture of small coal fragments and coal dust and dirt that sifts out when coal is passed over a sieve
    scrap iron
    iron to be melted again and reworked
    type of:
    waste, waste material, waste matter, waste product
    any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
  4. verb
    dispose of (something useless or old)
    “scrap your old computer”
    synonyms: junk, trash
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    type of:
    cast aside, cast away, cast out, chuck out, discard, dispose, fling, put away, throw away, throw out, toss, toss away, toss out
    throw or cast away
  5. verb
    make into scrap or refuse
    “scrap the old airplane and sell the parts”
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    type of:
    convert
    change the nature, purpose, or function of something
  6. noun
    the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
    “the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap”
    synonyms: combat, fight, fighting
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    types:
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