scouring

noun

scour·​ing ˈskau̇(-ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce scouring (audio)
1
: material removed by scouring or cleaning
2
: the lowest rank of society
usually used in plural

Examples of scouring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While sponges and gentle scrubbers are safe for stainless steel, do not use steel wool or abrasive scouring pads, which can leave permanent scratches. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 Synthetic scouring pads were invented for these reasons and are largely interchangeable with steel wool. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 There was also little infrastructure, as his scouring for sheet music showed. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2025 Many more were raised by the hierarchy’s recent scouring of the managerial market. Mark Critchley, The Athletic, 16 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for scouring

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scouring was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Scouring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scouring. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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