scout

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈskau̇t 

scouted; scouting; scouts

intransitive verb

1

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

2

a

: 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

2 of 3

noun

plural scouts

1

a

: 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

2

a

: the act of scouting

b

: a scouting expedition : reconnaissance

3

often Scout : a member of any of various scouting movements: such as

a

: a member of the Scouting America program for children usually 11 to 17 years of age

b

: girl scout

4

: individual, person

—used chiefly in the phrase good scout

scout

3 of 3

verb (2)

scouted; scouting; scouts

transitive verb

1

: mock

2

: to reject scornfully

… scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood.

—Mark Twain

intransitive verb

: scoff

Synonyms of scout

Noun

• person
• guy
• man
• life
• creature
• bird

Verb (2)

• mock
• ridicule

Examples of scout in a Sentence

Noun

you're a good scout

Verb (2)

the actor's attempt to rationalize his racist comments were roundly scouted by the media

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Don't be surprised if the other person starts scouting escape routes. — Angela Haupt, Time, 24 June 2026

Granato has coached, scouted and served as an executive at all levels of hockey. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Noun

Scouts report back, and the rest of the colony follows the trail to your table. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026

During mating season, from late November through the end of March, the scout snakes become especially valuable. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th 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

Phrases Containing scout

• good scout
• scout car
• talent scout

Rhymes for scout

• bout
• clout
• doubt
• drought
• flout
• gout
• grout
• kraut
• lout
• out
• pout
• rout

Kids Definition

scout

1 of 3 verb

ˈskau̇t 

1

: to go about and observe in search of information : reconnoiter

2

a

: to make a search

scout about for firewood

b

: to find by searching

scouted up the necessary supplies

scout

2 of 3 noun

1

a

: one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war

b

: a person who searches for talented newcomers

a baseball scout

2

: the act or an instance of scouting : reconnaissance

3

often capitalized

a

: boy scout

b

: girl scout

4

: individual entry 2 sense 2, person

you're a good scout

scout

3 of 3 verb

1

: deride, mock

2

: to reject as foolish

Etymology

Verb

Middle English scouten "to explore an area for information," from early French escouter "to listen," from Latin auscultare "to listen"

Verb

of Scandinavian origin