What does score mean?
Score is a versatile word used for both numerical results and written music. As a noun, it can describe the points obtained in a game, a grade or evaluation, or the notated composition of a piece of music. As a verb, it means to achieve points or success, as in scoring a goal, but it can also mean to criticize something sharply. The word also has a musical sense connected with composers and performers: musicians may learn from a score, while a conductor leads an ensemble from the score. In everyday contexts, score often suggests competition, achievement, and assessment. Expressions such as keep score, score points, and a high score are especially common, while the musical use makes the word familiar to anyone who has studied or performed music.
A numerical result, assessment, or number of points achieved; also, the written notation of a musical composition.
"The concert was a success, and the musicians received excellent scores from the reviewers."
In music, the term refers to the written arrangement itself, not simply the performance.
To achieve points or a successful result; to criticize sharply; or to compose music.
"The striker scored in the second half, giving his team the lead."
The critical sense, as in to score an idea or decision, is usually somewhat informal and often more severe than to evaluate or criticize.
Scores is the standard plural when referring to numerical results, assessments, or musical compositions.
"The two teams recorded very different scores in the tournament."
The word score originally referred to an account or tally, before it came to mean points achieved and the musical notation used by composers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of score
The word comes through Middle English from Old English scor, which was associated with an account, tally, or reckoning. In its early senses, it referred to recording a quantity and later to the number of points or marks assigned. The separate musical sense developed from the idea of a written set or arrangement, ultimately referring to the notes of a composition. The modern senses preserve both the numerical and musical associations of the historical word.
Related word forms
How score is actually used
The word is neutral to positive in most contexts, such as a high score, but can be critical when used to judge a performance, decision, or policy. In music, score refers specifically to the written composition rather than the performance itself.