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scores

n.
US //ˈskɔɹz// UK //skˈɔːz// scores
  1. 1 points in a game (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    the number of points each team or player has in a competition.

    the recorded points or goals achieved by participants in a competitive event.

    Example

    The final scores were posted on the board after the match ended.

    Example

    Despite the high scores recorded in the first half, the game slowed down significantly as both teams adopted more defensive strategies.

  2. 2 a large number (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    a very large number of people or things.

    a large but unspecified number; literally multiples of twenty, but used figuratively for any significant quantity.

    Example

    Scores of people waited outside the shop for the new phone to go on sale.

    Example

    Scores of protesters gathered in the central plaza, demanding immediate legislative reform following the controversial announcement.

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  1. 3 musical compositions (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    the written music for a film, play, or orchestra.

    the written or printed representations of musical compositions, particularly those for films or theatrical productions.

    Example

    He has written the musical scores for several famous Hollywood movies.

    Example

    The conductor spent weeks studying the original scores to ensure the orchestra captured the subtle nuances intended by the composer.

  2. 4 drug purchase (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang British English

    a small bag of illegal drugs, often worth a specific amount of money.

    a successful purchase of illicit drugs; specifically used in British slang for a twenty-pound bag of cannabis.

    Example

    The police were watching the corner where the local scores usually happened.

    Example

    The documentary explored the underground economy of the city, focusing on how small-scale scores were managed in residential areas.

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