View synonyms for

scratch pad

noun

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

scratch pad

noun

a notebook, esp one with detachable leaves
computing a small semiconductor memory for temporary storage

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scratch pad¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

In his pockets he had the stub of a pencil, a small scratch pad, quite damp, a few coins, the keys to his house, and his penknife.

From

They are available in various finishes with scratch pads and shelf cushions.

From

All of them still claim fealty to the Don, who now seems content to use hundreds of pages of government documents as scratch pads and toilet paper.

From

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

From

scratch one's head scratchplate

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