scratch pad

American  

noun

1. a pad of paper used for jotting down ideas, informal notes, preliminary writing, etc.

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scratch pad British  

noun

1. a notebook, esp one with detachable leaves

2. computing a small semiconductor memory for temporary storage

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Etymology

Origin of scratch pad

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

In a shot that likely got left in Robert Altman's scratch pad for being too on-the-nose, the Nashville star wrote "Get me to God's country" over an image of his private jet.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2025

But they belong on your scratch pad, not in the final equation you’re presenting your employer.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2022

A customizable and attractive homepage now gives you a quick view of your most recent notes and can also include a scratch pad, pinned notes or notebooks, the new task listing, and a calendar.

From The Verge • Jul. 23, 2021

Computer makers for decades have relied on chips called dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM, to act like a scratch pad to hold data temporarily that programs use frequently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2016

I got up, went to Kevin’s office and took a small scratch pad and a new pen from his desk and the large atlas from his bookcase.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler