scarf

1 of 3

verb (1)

scarfed; scarfing; scarfs
Synonyms of scarfnext

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

2 of 3

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

3 of 3

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
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
On a crowded concourse in the middle of a Saturday morning two months before the start of the season, fans are chugging beers, scarfing Dodger dogs, and even doing a line dance. Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 There’s just something about scarfing oodles of vittles during and after skiing that is far more satisfying than any other post mountain pursuit grubfest. Outside Online, 24 Dec. 2025 None of those foraging and storing animals are likely to eat the acorns whole, but there are larger animals that are known to scarf the acorns down. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 Gregory scarfs one down like a rabid animal, while Janine, high off iced tea and lemonade, aggressively demands to know what’s inside the drinks. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarf

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

by alteration

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1954, 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 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scarf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarf. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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

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