score

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: skô, IPA ^(key): /skɔː/, SAMPA: /skO:/
• (US) enPR: skôr, IPA ^(key): /skoʊr/, IPA ^(key): /skɔːr/, SAMPA: /skO:r/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular score

Plural scores

A piece of musical score

1. The numbers used to tell who is winning in a sport or game.

   The final score for the ball game was 30 to 17.

2. A copy of written music, usually for an orchestra. Usually, this means all the written music for all the players for a piece of music.

   I have the whole score for the Brandenburg Concertos.

3. The results of a test or quiz.

   You must earn a score of at least 70 to pass the test.

4. The number 20. This is an old meaning; people don't use score for this much any more.

   Four score and seven years ago.

Verb

Plain form score

Third-person singular scores

Past tense scored

Past participle scored

Present participle scoring

1. To gain points in a game, so that your score is increased.

   The basketball player just scored three points!

2. To get a certain result on a text or quiz.

   I scored a 95 on the test!

3. (slang) To have sex.
4. (slang) To get something.

   I scored some tickets to the game tonight.

5. To make a groove in paper or cardboard.

   If you score the paper first, gently using a knife along the edge of a ruler, then you'll be able to fold it neatly and straight.