scrap heap

noun

Synonyms of scrap heapnext
1
: a pile of discarded metal
2
: the place where useless things are discarded

Examples of scrap heap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gausman and Hoffman, both cast to the scrap heap at different points in their careers, will play key roles in Toronto’s hopes for an upset. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025 Engineers eventually built a straighter, higher-speed option, and a poor resale market spared the original bridge from the scrap heap. — Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 The Nationals picked the 25-year-old up off the scrap heap after spring training and now Mead is quietly in the middle of a breakout year. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026 Going from the scrap heap to one of the most coveted pitchers in the game has afforded Hill a perspective on retirement that few active players enjoy. — Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Baker was taken off the scrap heap by Houston in the wake of the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal and won the 2022 World Series. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 12 Feb. 2026 Arrieta was one of the faces of the Padres’ 2021 collapse, as he was signed off the scrap heap in August and allowed 16 runs in 12⅓ innings in the final four starts of his career. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrap heap was in 1838

Rhymes for scrap heap

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Browse Nearby Words

scrape through
scrap heap
scrapiana
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Cite this Entry

“Scrap heap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrap%20heap. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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