score

noun

1》 the number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or by an individual.

    ↘a mark or grade.

2》 (the score) informal the state of affairs; the real facts.

3》 (plural same) a group or set of twenty.

    ↘a large amount or number: he sent scores of letters to friends.

4》 a written representation of a musical composition showing all the vocal and instrumental parts.

5》 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.

6》 informal an act of buying illegal drugs.

    ↘the proceeds of a crime.

verb

1》 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.

2》 orchestrate or arrange (a piece of music).

    ↘compose the music for (a film or play).

3》 cut or scratch a mark or notch on (a surface).

    ↘(score something out/through) delete text by drawing a line through it.

4》 informal secure (a success or an advantage).

    ↘be successful.

    ↘succeed in obtaining (illegal drugs).

    ↘succeed in attracting a sexual partner.

5》 (score off or score points off) Brit. informal outdo or humiliate, especially in an argument.

Phrases

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

1》 take revenge on someone.

2》 dated pay off a debt or other obligation.

Derivatives

scoreless adjective

scorer noun

Origin

OE scoru 'set of twenty', from ON skor 'notch, tally, twenty', of Gmc origin; related to shear; the verb is from ON skora 'make an incision'.