n.
- the number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or by an individual.
▸a mark or grade.
-
(the score)
informal the state of affairs; the real facts.
(pl. same)
a group or set of twenty. ▸a large amount or number:
![]()
he sent scores of letters to friends.
- a written representation of a musical composition showing all the vocal and instrumental parts.
- a notch or line cut or scratched into a surface.
▸historical a running account kept by marks against a customer's name, typically in a public house.
- informal an act of buying illegal drugs.
▸the proceeds of a crime.
v.
- gain (a point, goal, run, etc.) in a competitive game.
▸be worth (a number of points).
▸record the score during a game.
▸Baseball cause (a teammate) to score.
- orchestrate or arrange (a piece of music).
▸compose the music for (a film or play).
- cut or scratch a mark or notch on (a surface).
▸
(score something out/through)
delete text by drawing a line through it.
- informal secure (a success or an advantage).
▸be successful.
▸succeed in obtaining (illegal drugs).
▸succeed in attracting a sexual partner.
-
(score off or score points off)
Brit. informal outdo or humiliate, especially in an argument.
Phrase
- know the score
informal be aware of the essential facts. - on the score of
Brit. because of. - on that
(or this)
score
so far as that (or this) is concerned. - settle
(or pay)
a
(or the)
score
- take revenge on someone.
- dated pay off a debt or other obligation.
Derivative
Etymology
OE scoru ‘set of twenty’, from ON skor ‘notch, tally, twenty’, of Gmc origin; rel. to shear; the verb is from ON skora ‘make an incision’.
