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Scraps Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scraps

[skræps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

leftover food

Scraps refer to small leftover pieces of food, typically not enough for a full meal. They are often saved for pets or used in compost.

Synonyms

leftovers, pieces, remnants.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scraps

Commonly used to describe small, unused or discarded bits of materials, often related to food, textiles, or construction. They imply something that could be thrown away or repurposed.

  • After dinner, we collected all the food scraps to compost
  • The tailor used fabric scraps to craft a patchwork quilt
leftovers

Refers specifically to food that remains uneaten after a meal, which can be stored and consumed later. It usually has a neutral or mildly positive connotation.

  • We had pizza leftovers for lunch today
  • There are always plenty of leftovers after our family dinners
remnants

Refers to small remaining parts of something, typically after the majority has been used or removed. Often used in the context of materials like fabric, carpet, or historical remains. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or nostalgic connotation.

  • Only remnants of the ancient city remain
  • She used remnants of cloth to make a scarf
pieces

A general term for parts or components of a whole object. It doesn't imply anything about the condition or quality of these parts.

  • He collected pieces of the broken vase and tried to glue them together
  • The puzzle has 500 pieces

Examples of usage

  • The dog eagerly ate up all the dinner scraps.
  • She collected the vegetable scraps to use in her garden compost.
Context #2 | Noun

small pieces of material

Scraps can also refer to small leftover pieces of material, such as fabric or paper. These pieces are often used in crafts or quilting.

Synonyms

pieces, remnants, shreds.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scraps

Used to describe small leftovers or fragments, often materials or food. Can imply something discarded or of little value.

  • He fed the scraps from dinner to the dog
  • She collected fabric scraps for her quilt
pieces

General term for parts of a whole that are usually complete or usable on their own. Neutral and versatile.

  • Can you pass me a piece of paper? The sculpture was made of several pieces of metal
remnants

Refers to small remaining quantities, often at the end of a process or after most has been taken or used. Can imply leftovers, but with a focus on what is left behind.

  • She sewed a beautiful quilt from fabric remnants
  • The remnants of the ancient civilization were uncovered by archaeologists
shreds

Used to describe long, thin strips, often torn or cut from something larger. Can imply destruction or damage.

  • He shredded the documents to protect his privacy
  • The evidence was torn to shreds

Examples of usage

  • She sewed a beautiful quilt using fabric scraps.
  • The children made collages with paper scraps.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'scraps'

The word 'scraps' originated from the Middle English word 'scraps' or 'scraps', which meant leftover or fragment. It has been used for centuries to describe small leftover pieces of food or material.

See also: scrapbook, scrape, scraper, scrapings, scrapper, scrapping.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,735, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.