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scratchpad

scratchpad

3.5
A small notebook for writing quick notes or doing math
  • noun
  • /ˈskrætʃˌpæd/
translation icon : bloc de notas
  • The teacher gave each student a scratchpad for their math calculations.

Examples

  • I always keep a scratchpad handy to jot down ideas during meetings.

  • Whenever I need to remember something quickly, I write it on a scratchpad.

  • You can use ClipCube's Scratchpad for taking notes that can also be quickly pasted into any app as easily as clipboard entries.

    Blog text (9)

Synonyms

notebook
vsscratchpad
187 1.0

A book of blank or lined pages for writing notes

is smaller and used for brief temporary notes and calculations
pad
vsscratchpad
88 1.0

A stack of paper sheets fastened at one edge for writing

is specifically for small quick notes and on the spot sums
tablet
vsscratchpad
50 1.8

A flat pad of paper used for writing or drawing

is narrower here, meaning a small paper pad for quick notes
slate
vsscratchpad
  • Archaic
25 9.9

A small thin stone tablet children use to write on and wipe clean

is modern paper based for quick disposable notes and calculations
notepad
vsscratchpad
18 1.0

A small pad of blank or lined paper for writing notes

is more focused on very quick temporary notes and sums
sketchbook
vsscratchpad
13 2.1

A book with blank pages for making quick drawings

serves quick note taking less well because it targets drawing use
pad of paper
vsscratchpad
5 1.0

A set of paper sheets joined at one edge for writing or drawing

is smaller and focused on quick notes and simple calculations
sketch pad
vsscratchpad
3 2.7

A book of blank paper for drawing or making quick pictures

is more for quick notes and arithmetic than for art tasks
notepaper
vsscratchpad
2 1.0

Small sheets of paper for short notes or letters

is bound or stacked for quick on the spot jotting and sums
sketchpad
vsscratchpad
1 2.8

A book of blank pages for drawing

is used instead for quick written notes and simple calculations
scratch pad
vsscratchpad
1 2.3

A small pad of blank paper for quick notes and sketches

is identical in meaning but written without a space
writing pad
vsscratchpad
1 1.1

A pad of paper for making notes or short messages

is smaller and aimed at quick temporary jottings and sums
scratch paper
vsscratchpad
  • US
1 2.2

A piece of paper used for quick notes or rough calculations

is the same temporary use but presented as a small bound pad
jotter
vsscratchpad
  • UK
3.7

A small notebook for writing short notes

is used more often for instant calculations and quick jottings
scribbling block
vsscratchpad
4.9

A pad of paper for quick notes and sketches

is used more for very short notes and simple calculations
bloco
vsscratchpad
9.6

A small pad for writing notes

is mainly for instant jottings and short calculations
sketch block
vsscratchpad
  • UK
2.7

A book of blank paper for drawing quick pictures

is better for short written jottings and simple calculations

How Temporary

Post-It
19 2.5
scratchpad
3.5
notepad
18 1.0
notebook
187 1.0
journal
272 2.6

Surface Forms

scratchpad singular
scratchpads plural

Morphology

scratchpad = scratch + pad (transparent) = scratch + pad

The physical notebook meaning is a straightforward compound: a pad used for scratch/rough notes.

Etymology

Scratchpad comes from two simple words: scratch meaning 'to make quick marks' and pad meaning 'a small notebook'. So a scratchpad is a small notebook for quick notes, rough calculations, or simple sketches.