# scoop vs scour

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### scoop
*noun · IPA /skuːp/ · frequency rank #11,455*
Any cup-shaped or bowl-shaped tool, usually with a handle, used to lift and move loose or soft solid material.

### scour
*verb · IPA /ˈskaʊə/ · frequency rank #30,216*
To clean, polish, or wash (something) by rubbing and scrubbing it vigorously, frequently with an abrasive or cleaning agent.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scoop-vs-scour