scarf

1 of 5

noun (1)

ˈskärf 

plural scarves ˈskärvz  or scarfs

1

: a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head

2

: runner sense 6b

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

• ⁴scarf 2

scarf

5 of 5

verb (3)

ˈskärf 

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

Synonyms of scarf

Noun (1)

• inhale
• devour
• wolf
• gulp

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

Noun

In 2016, the princess flew to Brazil, where she was spotted in a dark suit, ever-present colorful scarf, and bright red sneakers. —Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026

Layers of caramel curls peek out of the front of the scarf like an ocean swell, proving that a super-short pixie cut like the one Palmer's been sporting lately has plenty of potential for a variety of looks. —Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Feb. 2026

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

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

Phrases Containing scarf

• infinity scarf
• scarf down
• scarf up

Rhymes for scarf

• scharf
• headscarf

Kids Definition

scarf

1 of 2 noun

ˈskärf 

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

: runner sense 5b

scarf

2 of 2 verb

: scoff entry 3 sense 1

scarfed down my sandwich