surf

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈsərf 

1

: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 3

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

surfer

3 of 3

noun (2)

surf·​er

ˈsərfər

plural -s

1

dialectal : surf scoter

2

: one who rides a surfboard

3

: one who scans a wide range of offerings (as on television or the Internet) for something of interest

she was also a constant surfer of all things online

—Garry Wills

Synonyms of surf

Noun (1)

• foam

Examples of surf in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

In 2018, a 64-year-old man died after being caught up in surf on the trail, and two years later, a 56-year-old woman also died after she was pulled into the ocean near the rock bridge, the Star-Advertiser reported. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Verb

There are many different ways to take active vacations including niches such as white water rafting, surfing schools, yoga retreats, and triathlon training camps. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

For the past several years, Jack Schlossberg has operated in the public imagination in much the same manner as any online celebrity surfing the daily waves of spectacle and outrage. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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