itch

American  

[ich] / ɪtʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to have or feel a peculiar tingling or uneasy irritation of the skin that causes a desire to scratch the part affected.

   My nose itches.

2. to cause such a feeling.

   This shirt itches.

3. Informal. to scratch a part that itches.

4. to have a desire to do or get something.

   to itch after fame.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to have an itch.

   His wool shirt always itches him.

2. Informal. to scratch (a part that itches).

   to itch a mosquito bite.

3. to annoy; vex; irritate.

   Her remarks itched me.

noun

1. the sensation of itching.

2. an uneasy or restless desire or longing.

   an itch for excitement.

3. Usually the itch a contagious disease caused by the itch mite, which burrows into the skin.

itch British  

/ ɪtʃ /

noun

1. an irritation or tickling sensation of the skin causing a desire to scratch

2. a restless desire

3. any skin disorder, such as scabies, characterized by intense itching

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verb

1. (intr) to feel or produce an irritating or tickling sensation

2. (intr) to have a restless desire (to do something)

3. not_standard to scratch (the skin)

4. a grasping nature; avarice

5. to be restless; have a desire to travel

Usage

What’s the difference between itch and scratch? An itch is a feeling of irritation on the skin, often one that makes you want to scratch it (scrape it or rub it). The word itch can also be used as a verb meaning to have this sensation (as in My leg itches) or to cause to itch (as in The tag on my shirt keeps itching me). Itch also has some more figurative meanings as both a noun and a verb. The reason you looked this up, though, is because itch is sometimes informally used to mean the same thing as scratch, as in Try not to itch your mosquito bites—it will only make them itchier! Language purists are often itching to clarify that you scratch an itch, but this verb use of itch is quite common. As a noun, the word scratch means something different—a cut or scrape, typically a minor one caused by something having scratched the skin, as in I got a few scratches from the thornbush. Here’s an example of itch and scratch used correctly in the same sentence. Example: I know your rash itches, but don’t scratch your itch so hard—you’ll leave a scratch on your arm!Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between itch and scratch. 

Other Word Forms

• anti-itch adjective
• itchiness noun
• itchy adjective

Etymology

Origin of itch

First recorded before 900; Middle English verb (y)icchen, Old English gicc(e)an; akin to German jucken, Dutch jeuken; noun derivative of the verb

Explanation

An itch is an unpleasant tingly sensation that makes you want to scratch. If you're allergic to poison ivy and you go hiking through a field of it, you'll have a terrible itch all over your legs. Sometimes people confuse itch and scratch. An itch is the sensation that causes you to scratch, and when itch is a verb, it either means "to feel or sense an itch," or "to have a strong, restless urge," as when you itch to try out your uncle's motorcycle. Somehow, the word itch arose from its Old English root gicce, or gycce, "an itch."

Example Sentences

At that point she had open wounds, a relentless bone-deep itch and her skin would not stop shedding.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Instead of indulging the itch to sell, you engage the inclination to buy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Since it’s unlikely we’ll ever afford a riverfront property, the dazzling cinematography on “The Madison” scratches that itch.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

Still, over time, that itch to try something new returned.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Just as Anya began to itch with the need to get out from under the water, the top of it breached the surface of the tunnel, and fresh, cold air cascaded over them.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• ache
• crave
• hanker
• thirst
• yearn