scour

//skaʊər//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of scour

Verb

scourInfinitive
scourPresent tense
scouredPast tense
scouredPast participle
scouringPresent participle
scoursThird-person singular
1

To clean or polish a surface by rubbing it hard, typically with an abrasive or detergent.

She scoured the pots and pans until they were shiny.

2

To remove dirt or unwanted matter from something by scrubbing vigorously.

She scoured the burnt pan with a steel brush until it was clean.

3

(Of water or a watercourse) to erode or wear away a channel or surface through the force of movement.

The river scoured a deep channel through the rock over thousands of years.

Verb

scourInfinitive
scourPresent tense
scouredPast tense
scouredPast participle
scouringPresent participle
scoursThird-person singular
1

To search a place or thing thoroughly and carefully in order to find something.

She scoured the entire house looking for her lost keys.

2

To move rapidly through an area while searching.

The police scoured the neighborhood looking for the missing child.

Noun

1

The act of scouring or cleaning something.

The pots need a good scour before we can use them again.

2

A place that has been scoured or eroded by water.

The geologist examined the scour left by the ancient river.