Definition of scout
intransitive verb
1 : to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2a : to make a searchb : 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
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Origin and Etymology of scout
Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation
scout
Definition of scout
1a : one sent to obtain information; especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiterb : watchman, lookoutc : talent scout
2a : the act of scoutingb : a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3 often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: such asa : boy scoutb : girl scout
4 : individual, person —used chiefly in the phrase good scout
First Known Use of scout
1534
Origin and Etymology of scout
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
SCOUT Defined for English Language Learners
scout
Definition of scout for English Language Learners
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: a soldier, airplane, etc., that is sent to get information about the size, location, equipment, etc., of an enemy
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: a person whose job is to search for talented performers, athletes, etc.
SCOUT Defined for Kids
Definition of scout for Students
scouted
;scouting
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, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Definition of scout for Students
1 : a person, group, boat, or plane that gathers information or searches an area
2 often cap : boy scout
3 often cap : girl scout
Learn More about scout
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See words that rhyme with scout Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scout Spanish Central: Translation of scout Nglish: Translation of scout for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scout for Arabic speakers
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