surf

1 of 2

noun

ˈsərf 

1

: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 2

verb

surfed; surfing; surfs

intransitive verb

1

: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)

2

: to scan a wide range of offerings for something of interest

transitive verb

: to scan the offerings of (such as television or the Internet) for something of interest

surfer noun

Synonyms

Noun

• foam

Examples of surf in a Sentence

Noun

We could hear the roar of the surf.

beachgoers romping in the swirling surf

Verb

He learned to surf when he was living in California.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Forecasters say Gabrielle, which rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 3 storm Monday morning, will pass well east of Bermuda, leaving high waves and rough surf the main issue for the island. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025

Verb

Over the last decade, the adventurous family has shared videos surfing with sharks, tandem scuba diving and sledding in Italy, among other things. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

The country’s navy, which is responsible for the protection of these surfing areas, hardly patrols. —Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1917, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing surf

• crowd surf
• surf and turf
• surf casting
• surf clam

Rhymes for surf

• scurf
• serf
• turf

Kids Definition

surf

1 of 2 noun

ˈsərf 

1

: waves that break upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 2 verb

1

: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)

2

: to scan the offerings of (as television or the Internet) for something of interest