English Reference
noun · verb

itch

n. · v.
US /ˈɪtʃ/ UK /ˈɪtʃ/ itch UK spelling itched, itches

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    n.an uncomfortable feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch it.

    n.an irritating cutaneous sensation that creates an urge to scratch the affected area.

    Simple

    The wool sweater gave me a terrible itch on my neck.

    In context

    The patient described a persistent itch on her forearm that intensified whenever she was exposed to direct sunlight.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a strong feeling that you want to do something or go somewhere.

    n.a restless or persistent desire to perform a particular action or experience something new.

    Simple

    After three years in the same job, he started to feel an itch to travel.

    In context

    Despite her professional success in the city, she felt a constant itch to return to the quiet life of the countryside.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to want to do something very much and feel impatient to start.

    v.to have a strong, restless urge to do something; frequently used in the progressive form followed by an infinitive.

    Simple

    The players were itching to get back on the field after the rain stopped.

    In context

    The investigative journalist was itching to publish the story, but her editor insisted on waiting for secondary confirmation of the sources.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated