Search results for 'score':

score noun 1 a total number of points gained or achieved eg in a game. 2 an act of gaining or achieving a point, etc. 3 a scratch or shallow cut, especially one made as a tally. 4 a bold line marking a boundary or defined position. 5 a set of twenty • three score. 6 (scores) very many; lots • I have scores of letters to write. 7 colloq (the score) the current situation; the essential facts • What's the score with your job? 8 a written or printed copy of music for several parts, set out vertically down the page. 9 the music from a film or play. 10 (the score) a reason; grounds • He was accepted on the score of suitability. 11 a grievance or grudge • He has an old score to settle. 12 a record of amounts owed. 13 slang a successful attempt to obtain drugs for illegal use. verb (scored, scoring) 1 tr & intr to gain or achieve (a point) in a game. 2 intrans to keep a record of points gained during a game. 3 to make cuts or scratches in the surface of something; to mark (a line) by a shallow cut. 4 to be equivalent to (a number of points) • black king scores three. 5 music a to break down music into parts for individual instruments or voices; b to adapt music for instruments or voices other than those originally intended. 6 to compose music for a film or play. 7 intrans to achieve a rating; to be judged or regarded • This film scores high for entertainment value. 8 intrans, slang to obtain drugs for illegal use. 9 (often score with someone) slang to succeed in having sexual intercourse with them. scorer noun. know the score to know or be aware of the facts of a situation. on that score as regards the matter or concern • She has no worries on that score. over the score colloq beyond reasonable limits; unfair. pay off or settle a score to repay an old grudge or debt. score an own goal colloq to do something unintentionally to one's own disadvantage.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon scoru, from Norse skor.