What does "itch" mean?
A sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch said area.
Itch
/ɪt͡ʃ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch said area.
- Grammar: itch is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: urge, ache, acne, acne vulgaris.
- Useful contrasts: apathy, calm, contentment.
- Usage evidence: She had an itch to see her child.
How to use "itch"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "itch" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "itch" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "itch" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "itch" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "itch" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "urge" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "itch", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch said area.
- 2 an irritating cutaneous sensation that produces a desire to scratch wordnet
- 3 A constant teasing desire or want.
"... it left, however, a bee at his ear and an itch to transfer the buzzer's attentions and tease his darling; for she had betrayed herself as right good game."
- 4 a strong restless desire wordnet
- 5 a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation wordnet
Verb
- 1 To feel itchy; to feel a need to be scratched. intransitive, stative
- 2 have a strong desire or urge to do something wordnet
- 3 To have a constant, teasing urge; to feel strongly motivated; to want or desire something. intransitive
"He started learning to drive and he has been itching for opportunities to practice ever since."
- 4 scrape or rub as if to relieve itching wordnet
- 5 To cause to feel an itch. transitive
"My head is suddenly itching me like mad."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 have or perceive an itch wordnet
- 7 To scratch or rub so as to relieve an itch. colloquial, transitive
""What makes you suspect him?" Max asked as he itched his neck."
- 8 cause to perceive an itch wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"She had an itch to see her child."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "itch"?
Common synonyms include: urge, ache, acne, acne vulgaris, an universal wolf, andromania.
How do you use "itch" in a sentence?
She had an itch to see her child.
How do you pronounce "itch"?
Pronounced /ɪt͡ʃ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English icche, ȝicche, from Old English ġiċċe (“an itch”), from Proto-Germanic *jukjǭ (“an itch”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots yeuk (“an itch, itchiness”), Dutch jeuk (“an itch”), German jucken.
Etymology 2
From Middle English icchen, ȝicchen, from Old English ġiċċan, ġyċċan (“to itch”), from Proto-West Germanic *jukkjan (“to itch”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots yeuk (“to itch”), West Frisian jûkje (“to itch”), Dutch jeuken (“to itch”), Low German jocken (“to itch”), German jucken (“to itch”).