Definition of "scratchy" in English

adjective

1. Characterized by scratches.

2. (chiefly of a sore throat) Irritating; itchy.

3. (informal, of an analogue radio transmission) Noisy, lossy; marred by white noise or static as a result of poor or low signal, interference or unfavourable atmospheric conditions.

   • The FM station two hundred miles away was receivable, but the audio was too scratchy to positively identify.

4. (of a phonograph record) Having popping and/or crackling sounds due to excessive wear, especially from scratch marks.

5. (informal) Irritable; tetchy.