scout

play

verb \ ˈskau̇t \

Definition of scout

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

Origin and Etymology of scout

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

scout

noun

Definition of scout

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

b :watchman, lookout

c :talent scout

2 a :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

See scout defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of scout

1534

scout Synonyms

Synonyms

baby, being, bird, bod [British], body, character, cookie (or cooky), creature, customer, devil, duck, egg, face, fish, guy, head, human being, individual, life, man, mortal, party, person, personage, human, slob, sort, soul, specimen, stiff, thing, wight

Related Words

hominid, homo, humanoid; brother, fellow, fellowman, neighbor; celebrity, personality, self, somebody

Near Antonyms

animal, beast, beastie, brute, critter

scout

verb

Definition of scout

transitive verb

1 :mock

2 :to reject scornfully

scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood
—Mark Twain

intransitive verb

:scoff

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1605

See Words from the same year

SCOUT Defined for English Language Learners

scout

noun

Definition of scout for English Language Learners

: a soldier, airplane, etc., that is sent to get information about the size, location, equipment, etc., of an enemy
: a person whose job is to search for talented performers, athletes, etc.

SCOUT Defined for Kids

scout

play

verb \ ˈskau̇t \

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

scout

noun

Definition of scout for Students

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

2 often capitalized :boy scout

3 often capitalized :girl scout

Learn More about scout

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up scout? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

scout

Definition of scout

Explore M-W

Origin and Etymology of scout

scout

Definition of scout

First Known Use of scout

scout Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

scout

Definition of scout

Origin and Etymology of scout

Phrases Related to SCOUT

Related Phrases

SCOUT Defined for English Language Learners

scout

Definition of scout for English Language Learners

SCOUT Defined for Kids

scout

Definition of scout for Students

scout

Definition of scout for Students

Learn More about scout

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066