Scotch

UK: 'Scotch', 'scotch': /ˈskɒtʃ/

US: /skɑtʃ/

US: 'Scotch', 'scotch': (skoch)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

Scotch /skɑtʃ/   adj. 

1. [Sometimes Offensive.] of or relating to Scotland.

n. 
2. [plural* the + ~;
   used with a plural verb] [Sometimes Offensive.] the Scottish people.
3. [uncountable* scotch] whiskey made in Scotland.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Scotch / skɒtʃ/ adjective

1. another word for Scottish

noun

1. the Scots or their language

USAGE
In the north of England and in Scotland, Scotch is not used outside fixed expressions such as Scotch whisky. The use of Scotch for Scots or Scottish is otherwise felt to be incorrect, esp when applied to people

Scotch / skɒtʃ/ noun

1. Also called: Scotch whisky whisky distilled esp from fermented malted barley and made in Scotland

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

scotch¹  (skoch), v.t. 

1. to put a definite end to;
   crush;
   stamp out;
   foil:
   to scotch a rumor; to scotch a plan.
2. to cut, gash, or score.
3. to injure so as to make harmless.
4. Building to block or prop with a wedge or chock.

n. 

5. a cut, gash, or score.
6. Building a block or wedge put under a wheel, barrel, etc., to prevent slipping.

• late Middle English scocche (noun, nominal and verb, verbal), perh. blend of, blended score and notch (Anglo-French escocher) 1375–1425

scotch²  (skoch), v.t., n. [Masonry.]

1. Building scutch (defs. 2, 4).

Scotch  (skoch), adj. 

1. Language Varieties of Scottish origin;
   resembling or regarded as characteristic of Scotland or the Scottish people (used outside Scotland):
   Scotch plaid.
2. Slang Terms [Sometimes Offensive.] Scottish (def. 1).
3. (usually l.c.) [Informal.] frugal;
   provident;
   thrifty.

n. 

4. Slang Terms, Language Varieties (used with a pl. v.) [Sometimes Offensive.] the Scottish people;
   Scots.
5. Wine (often l.c.) See Scotch whisky. 
6. Slang Terms, Language Varieties [Sometimes Offensive.] Scots (def. 1).

• syncopated variant of Scottish 1585–95

Usage

The natives of Scotland refer to themselves as Scots or, in the singular, Scot, Scotsman, or Scotswoman. The related adjectives are Scottish or, less commonly, Scots. Scotch as a noun or adjective is objected to except when used of whisky and in established phrases like Scotch egg and Scotch pine. In the United States, Scotch is often used where the Scots themselves, or some Americans of Scottish descent, would prefer Scottish or Scots. The term Scotch-Irish is standard in the United States for the descendants of the Scots of Ulster who immigrated to America beginning in the 18th century.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

scotch / skɒtʃ/ verb (transitive)

1. to put an end to; crush: bad weather scotched our plans
2. to cut or score

noun

1. a gash; scratch
2. a line marked down, as for hopscotch

Etymology: 15th Century: of obscure origin

scotch / skɒtʃ/ verb

1. (transitive) to block, prop, or prevent from moving with or as if with a wedge

noun

1. a block or wedge to prevent motion

Etymology: 17th Century: of obscure origin