First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1score
noun \ˈskȯr\
: the number of points, goals, runs, etc., that each player or team has in a game or contest
: the number of points that someone gets for correct answers on a test, exam, etc.
: a document showing all the notes of a piece of music
plural scores
Full Definition of SCORE
1
or plural score a : twenty b : a group of 20 things —often used in combination with a cardinal number <fourscore> c : an indefinitely large number
2
a : a line (as a scratch or incision) made with or as if with a sharp instrument b (1) : a mark used as a starting point or goal (2) : a mark used for keeping account
3
a : an account or reckoning originally kept by making marks on a tally b : amount due : indebtedness
4
: grudge <a score to settle>
5
6
a : the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation b : a musical composition; specifically : the music for a movie or theatrical production c : a complete description of a dance composition in choreographic notation
7
a : a number that expresses accomplishment (as in a game or test) or excellence (as in quality) either absolutely in points gained or by comparison to a standard b : an act (as a goal, run, or touchdown) in any of various games or contests that gains points
8
: success in obtaining something (as money or drugs) especially through illegal or irregular means
9
: the stark inescapable facts of a situation <knows the score>
See score defined for English-language learners
See score defined for kids
Origin of SCORE
Middle English scor, from Old Norse skor notch, tally, twenty; akin to Old English scieran to cut — more at shear
Related to SCORE
- Synonyms
- down [chiefly British], grievance, resentment, grudge
Other Number-Related Terms
2score
verb
: to get points, goals, runs, etc., in a game or contest
: to be worth (a particular number of points) in a game or contest
: to officially record the number of points, goals, runs, etc., that each player or team gets in a game or contest
scoredscor·ing
Full Definition of SCORE
transitive verb
1
a : to keep a record or account of by or as if by notches on a tally : record b : to enter in a record c : to mark with significant lines or notches (as in keeping account)
2
: to mark with lines, grooves, scratches, or notches
4
a (1) : to make (a score) in a game or contest <scored a touchdown> <scored three points> (2) : to enable (a base runner) to make a score (3) : to have as a value in a game or contest : count <a touchdown scores six points> b (1) : achieve, attain <scored a dazzling success> (2) : acquire <help a traveler score local drugs — Poitor Koper> (3) : win 1 <scored free tickets over the radio>
5
: to determine the merit of : grade
6
a : to write or arrange (music) for a specific performance medium b : to make an orchestration of c : to compose a score for (a movie)
intransitive verb
1
: to keep score in a game or contest
2
: to make a score in a game or contest
3
a : to gain or have the advantage b : to be successful: as (1) : to succeed in having sexual intercourse (2) : to manage to obtain illicit drugs c : 3rate
— scor·er noun
— score points
: to gain favor, status, or advantage
See score defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCORE
14th century
SCORE Defined for Kids
1score
noun \ˈskȯr\
Definition of SCORE for Kids
1
: a record of points made or lost (as in a game)
2
: the number of points earned for correct answers on a test
3
: a group of 20 things : twenty
4
: harm done by someone and kept in mind for later response <I have a score to settle with you.>
5
: debt 2
6
: a line (as a scratch) made with or as if with something sharp
8
: the written or printed form of a musical composition
— score·less \-ləs\ adjective
2score
verb
scoredscor·ing
Definition of SCORE for Kids
1
: to make or cause to make a point or points in a game <His brother scored a touchdown.>
2
: to cut or mark with a line, scratch, or notch <I scored the wood with a knife.>
5
: to set down in an account : record
6
: to keep the score in a game
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