1 head-scratching | Definition of head-scratching
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

head-scratching

noun
head-scratch·​ing | \ ˈhed-ËŒskra-chiÅ‹ How to pronounce head-scratching (audio) \

Definition of head-scratching

 (Entry 1 of 2)

informal
: the act or activity of scratching one's head while pondering or puzzling over something difficult to understand —used figuratively Every year, around the middle of October, the finalists for the National Book Awards are announced to general bafflement. Specifically, it's the fiction shortlist that provokes head-scratching.— Laura MillerThis is, ahem, a very complex scientific process involving a great deal of head-scratching and thoughtful staring.— Tom Jordan also : confusion

head-scratching

adjective

Definition of head-scratching (Entry 2 of 2)

informal
: difficult to understand : causing puzzlement or confusion … the system can lead to head-scratching results …— Mark Bechtel … we'll be revisiting some of the best, worst, and most head-scratching moments from our archives.— Doug Brod
Other Words from head-scratching Synonyms Learn More about head-scratching

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from head-scratching

Adjective

head–scratchingly adverb
head-scratchingly poor decisions

First Known Use of head-scratching

Noun

1832, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1827, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on head-scratching

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with head-scratching

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for head-scratching

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!