goof

1 of 2

noun

ˈgüf 

1

: a silly or stupid person

2

: blunder

goof

2 of 2

verb

goofed; goofing; goofs

intransitive verb

1

a

: to spend time idly or foolishly

—usually used with off

goofing off instead of working

b

: to engage in playful activity

—usually used with around

goofing around after school

2

: to make a usually foolish or careless mistake : blunder

—often used with up

transitive verb

: to make a mess of : bungle

—usually used with up

goofed up the assignment

see also:

goof on

Synonyms of goof

Noun

• mistake
• blunder
• error

Verb

• kill time
• veg out
• kick back
• lazy
• hack (around)
• lounge
• hang about
• hang (around or out)
• footle
• rest
• bum
• relax
• play
• idle
• loaf
• chill
• kick around
• twiddle one's thumbs

Examples of goof in a Sentence

Noun

Don't be such a goof.

I made a major goof.

Verb

It was clear that someone had goofed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Saturday night’s performance showed why Georgia so badly wanted Barnes and why Smart owned his recruiting goof. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 8 Nov. 2026

Shows like Blues Clues, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and Lizzie McGuire regularly mixed the mediums, while others like South Park, Family Guy, and SpongeBob SquarePants would occasionally toss in live-action elements as a goof. — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

In the video, Williams goofs off with costar Adam Zolotin, who played the younger version of Louis, the best friend of Williams’ titular hero. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

The Mother Mary actress and Homer goofed off for the camera with co-star Hayes Warner, showing off their easygoing friendship. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably alteration of English dialect goff simpleton

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1932, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing goof

• goof around
• goof-off
• goof on

Rhymes for goof

• hoof
• kloof
• poof
• proof
• roof
• spoof
• woof
• aloof
• behoof
• disproof
• flameproof
• foolproof

Kids Definition

goof

1 of 2 noun

ˈgüf 

1

: a silly or stupid person

2

: blunder entry 2

goof

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to spend time foolishly

goofing off instead of working

b

: to engage in a playful activity

goofing around after school

2

: blunder entry 1 sense 2

3

: to make a mess of : bungle

goofed up the assignment

Etymology

Noun

probably an altered form of dialect word goff "simpleton"