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

With its outstanding tennis and pickleball program, renowned surf school, and kids' clubs and beach clubs, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

Thanks to Chouinard’s financial backing, the development was halted, the river was protected, and the surf break was preserved. —David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025

Verb

The 57-year-old was attacked while surfing about 100 meters offshore, in the city’s second fatal shark incident since 1963. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025

The man was surfing with friends when a large shark attacked him, John Duncan, police superintendent for Sydney's Northern Beaches unit, said at a press conference. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 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