scoop

1 of 2

noun

ˈsküp 

1

a

: a large ladle

b

: a deep shovel or similar implement for digging, dipping, or shoveling

c

: a usually hemispherical utensil for dipping food

d

: a small spoon-shaped utensil or instrument for cutting or gouging

2

a

: the action of scooping

b

: the amount contained by a scoop

3

a

: a hollow place : cavity

b

: a part forming or surrounding an opening for channeling a fluid (such as air) into a desired path

4

a

: information especially of immediate interest

b

: beat sense 5b

5

: a rounded and usually low-cut neckline on a woman's garment

called also scoop neck

scoopful

ˈsküp-ˌfu̇l 

noun

scoop

2 of 2

verb

scooped; scooping; scoops

transitive verb

1

a

: to take out or up with or as if with a scoop : dip

b

: to pick up quickly or surreptitiously with or as if with a sweep of the hand

—often used with up

scoop up the treat

2

: to empty by ladling out the contents

3

: to make hollow : dig out

4

: beat sense 5a(2)

scooped the rival newspaper

scoopable

ˈskü-pə-bəl 

adjective

scooper noun

Synonyms

Noun

• dipper
• ladle
• spoon

Verb

• bucket
• dip
• lade
• ladle
• spoon

Examples of scoop in a Sentence

Noun

a backhoe with a large scoop

The story turned out to be the political scoop of the year.

She always knows the scoop.

Here's the scoop on how to clean leather.

Verb

She has a job scooping ice cream.

He scooped flour into the bowl.

A backhoe was scooping dirt from the hole.

The children scooped handfuls of marbles from the pile.

He scooped the dice off the table and rolled again.

Scoop a hole in the dough for the filling.

The city's biggest newspaper got scooped by a weekly paper that released the story a full day before.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After some sun and saltwater, head to Le Glacier de la Corniche near Prophet’s Beach for a scoop of yuzu sorbet. —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 17 Apr. 2025

From playing Crazy Eights with A$AP Rocky at Soho House to previewing new music in Pharrell’s multi-use studio and everything that was left on the cutting room floor, get the inside scoop right here! —Chelsea Daniel, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025

Verb

The calf was so small, Rafter and Alex Constantinides were able to scoop him up in a regular fishing net, Shannon said. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025

The comedy drama scooped awards at the Sundance Film Festival and Cannes. —Clare Fisher, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scope, from Middle Dutch schope; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape — more at shape

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scoop

• scoop up
• the inside scoop
• the scoop

Rhymes for scoop

• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• hoop
• loop
• lupe
• oop
• poop

Kids Definition

scoop

1 of 2 noun

ˈsküp 

1

a

: a large shovel (as for shoveling coal)

b

: a tool or utensil shaped like a shovel for digging into a soft substance and lifting out a portion

c

: a round utensil with a handle for dipping out soft food (as ice cream)

d

: a small tool for cutting or gouging

2

: an act or the action of scooping : a motion made with or as if with a scoop

3

a

: the amount held by a scoop

a scoop of ice cream

b

: a hole made by scooping

4

a

: information of immediate interest

what's the scoop

b

: the reporting of a news story ahead of competitors

scoopful

-ˌfu̇l 

noun

scoop

2 of 2 verb

1

: to take out or up with or as if with a scoop

2

: to make hollow

3

: to report a news story ahead of

scooper noun

Medical Definition

scoop

noun

ˈsküp 

: a spoon-shaped surgical instrument used in extracting various materials (as pus or foreign bodies)