scarf

1 of 5

noun (1)

plural scarves ˈskärvz How to pronounce scarf (audio) or scarfs
1
: a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head
2
3
a
: a military or official sash usually indicative of rank
b
archaic : tippet sense 3

scarf

2 of 5

verb (1)

scarfed; scarfing; scarfs

transitive verb

1
: to wrap, cover, or adorn with or as if with a scarf
2
: to wrap or throw on (a scarf or mantle) loosely

scarf

3 of 5

verb (2)

scarfed; scarfing; scarfs

transitive verb

1
: scoff entry 3 sense 1
scarfed down my sandwich
2
: snap sense transitive 2
scarfed up the best seats

scarf

4 of 5

noun (2)

plural scarfs
1
: either of the chamfered or cutaway ends that fit together to form a scarf joint
2
: an in-line joint made by chamfering, halving, or notching two pieces to correspond and lapping them

Illustration of scarf

Illustration of scarf
  • 4scarf 2

scarf

5 of 5

verb (3)

variants or less commonly scarph
scarfed also scarphed; scarfing also scarphing; scarfs also scarphs

transitive verb

1
: to unite by a scarf joint
2
: to form a scarf on

Examples of scarf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
With astonishing speed, the pack scarfs it down, while warthogs, vultures, and jackals wait in the periphery for the scraps. Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2023 Upon receiving word from Cooper the time was now, Mack scarfed his birthday pancakes, drove to the gym and worked out with them. Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, 8 Aug. 2023 There’s something about standing in line with at least a dozen other Saz’s stans eager to scarf one down that makes the combination of sticks, curds and fries taste so much better, so much more comforting, so sublimely like summer in Milwaukee. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2023 Leaning into Neuty’s growing fame, Myra created a TikTok account in December and posted videos of Neuty swimming in the pool, sporting a Mardi Gras hat, and scarfing a bedtime snack of apples, kiwis, cucumbers, corn on the cob and Cookie Crisp cereal. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2023 According to WalletHub, Americans will scarf down some 150 million hotdogs on the July 4th holiday and an additional $1.4 billion on beer and wine. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 3 July 2022 This physical trait allows redpolls to scarf up seeds and, if necessary, fly to a safe spot where the food can be regurgitated, husked and eaten. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2022 And scarf some scrumptious baked goods. oregonlive, 2 Dec. 2021 As lab assistant Fleur Anteau places mussels harvested from around the island on the arms of sea stars named Deep Blue and Hamilton, the creatures quickly scarf down the morsels. Todd Woody, Anchorage Daily News, 3 May 2021
Noun
Add plush, comfortable Ugg boots and a thick scarf for all the cozy winter vibes. Sarah Felbin, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2023 Investigators added the suspect possibly had a burn on his left leg and at the time of the fire, the person of interest was photographed wearing a black hoodie, blue shorts, gray shoes, green scarf and a knee brace on his right knee. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2023 Both vessels exude a chic French design (pack a silk scarf for dinner) and embrace sophisticated cuisine. Janice Wald Henderson, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023 Inside a candlelit room in Lower Manhattan, leather satchel bags and silk scarves lined the walls and sprawling pink and green floral arrangements sat on each table. Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023 Even with a wider lapel, the scarf with a bow is a good proportion. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Nov. 2023 At the end of the last episode, audiences see that Mizu is no longer wearing that scarf while aboard the ship. Valerie Wu, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023 Guides, ofrendas, origins: De Los’ complete coverage of Día de Muertos Oct. 26, 2023 Papel picado representing the Palestinian flag hung across an archway of an altar and below it a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023 What's so 10 years ago about boots, pants, scarf, and a long wool coat? Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scarf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of Middle French dialect (Norman) escreppe, Middle French escherpe sash, sling, from Old French, pilgrim's shoulder bag, from Medieval Latin scrippum

Verb (2)

by alteration

Noun (2)

Middle English skarf, probably from Old Norse skarfr butt end of a plank

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb (1)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (3)

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarf was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarf

Cite this Entry

“Scarf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarf. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

scarf

1 of 2 noun
plural scarves
ˈskärvz
or scarfs
1
: a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, over the head, or about the waist
2

scarf

2 of 2 verb
: scoff entry 3 sense 1
scarfed down my sandwich

More from Merriam-Webster on scarf

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