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

Noun (1) the college students scarfed the entire contents of the care package in one sitting
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The guys now scarf their slices standing up while their headlamps beam in the dark. Britta Lokting, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2024 The Founding Fathers weren’t scarfing burgers down on the regular while crafting breakaway documents in Philly in the late 1700s, but by the start of the 20th century, hamburgers were quickly ascending as a dominant food in the United States. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
While walking the red carpet at Cipriani Wall Street, Kravitz strayed from her usual red carpet uniform and opted for a soft pink cutout Saint Laurent scarf gown instead of her go-to black. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 This just in: major savings on chic accessories, including a snuggly cashmere scarf and oversized sunglasses. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scarf 

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 9 Dec. 2024.

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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