scoff

1 of 3

noun

ˈskäf How to pronounce scoff (audio)
ˈskȯf
1
: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe
2
: an object of scorn, mockery, or derision

scoff

2 of 3

verb (1)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

intransitive verb

: to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scoffed at the idea

transitive verb

: to treat or address with derision : mock
scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3

verb (2)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

transitive verb

1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: seize
often used with up
scoffed up the free gifts

intransitive verb

: to eat something greedily
Choose the Right Synonym for scoff

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery.

scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Examples of scoff in a Sentence

Verb (2) scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game
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.
Noun
Demands to do more from either Barack or Michelle Obama are often met with scoffs by longtime supporters, such as Natalie Graves, a clinical social worker who was at Chicago’s Grant Park when the couple took the victory stage in November 2008. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Banks call credit union bill ‘bad policy’ The North Carolina Bankers Association trade group opposes the bill and scoffs at the idea that banks have deserted communities. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Vance scoffs at delay tactic as White House reschedules signing ceremony Republicans don't seem too deterred by Jeffries' protest speech, even as the White House is reportedly having to change plans on what day and time Trump will hold a ceremonial signing of the mega-bill. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 July 2025 But one racing team chief, Cotton Henning, scoffed at the idea that anyone would opt for that. Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoff

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery

Verb (2)

alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoff was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoff. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

scoff

1 of 3 noun
ˈskäf How to pronounce scoff (audio)
ˈskȯf
: an expression of scorn or mockery

scoff

2 of 3 verb
scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3 verb
1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: snatch entry 1 sense 2
scoffed up the free gifts

More from Merriam-Webster on scoff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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