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 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

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

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

The pressure is on Minasian and his scouting group to make shrewd additions to that list of invitees while also making good evaluations of their internal solutions. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Miller has had a long career in production Before his photography work, Miller spent a decade as a commercial location manager, scouting locations for shoots for companies like Nike, Ford and Toyota. —Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Noun

The Tigers also used the portal to find solid role players in Overton and Murphy and a scorer oozing with potential in Freeman, who had NBA scouts eyeing him at the Division II level. —Cj Moore, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

The desert sprawls into the Mexican state of Sonora and on distant peaks, the sheriff’s deputies say, cartel scouts sit with binoculars watching their every move. —Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025

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)

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

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