scout

verb (1)

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\ ˈskau̇t

scouted; scouting; scouts

Definition of scout

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)

2a : to make a search

b : to work as a talent scout

transitive verb

1 : to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate

2 : to explore in order to obtain information

3 : to find by making a search

scout

noun

plural scouts

Definition of scout (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : one sent to obtain information especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter

b : watchman, lookout

c sports

(1) : a person sent out to secure firsthand information about the style of play, tactics, and strength of a rival

(2) : a person sent out to obtain information about players by watching them in action with a view to making recommendations about the acquisition of players

d : talent scout

2a : the act of scouting

b : a scouting expedition : reconnaissance

3 often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: such as

a : boy scout

b : girl scout

4 : individual, person —used chiefly in the phrase good scout

scout

verb (2)

scouted; scouting; scouts

Definition of scout (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : mock

2 : to reject scornfully scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood— Mark Twain

intransitive verb

: scoff

Synonyms Phrases Containing scout Learn More About scout

First Known Use of scout

Verb (1)

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

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for scout

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation

Verb (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot

Learn More About scout

Dictionary Entries Near scout

Scouser

scout

scout car

Statistics for scout

Cite this Entry

“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for scout

scout

verb

\ ˈskau̇t

scouted; scouting

Kids Definition of scout

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to explore an area to find out information about it

2 : to search an area for someone or something … they scouted around for a place to spend the night.— E. L. Konigsburg, From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

scout

noun

Kids Definition of scout (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a person, group, boat, or plane that gathers information or searches an area

2 often capitalized : boy scout

3 often capitalized : girl scout