surf

1 of 2

noun

ˈsərf 

1

: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 2

verb

surfed; surfing; surfs

intransitive verb

1

: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)

2

: to scan a wide range of offerings for something of interest

transitive verb

: to scan the offerings of (such as television or the Internet) for something of interest

surfer noun

Synonyms of surf

Noun

• foam

Examples of surf in a Sentence

Noun

We could hear the roar of the surf.

beachgoers romping in the swirling surf

Verb

He learned to surf when he was living in California.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There is a small chance for isolated Coastal Flood Warnings (highest chances Wednesday-Thursday) if larger surf develops. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Washout risks, high surf and erosion have closed the rail line for days over the summer. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

For now, its Muse assistants are actively helping people complete tasks on their computers quicker, such as responding to emails, booking flights, and surfing the web on their behalf. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

An Australian surfer came face-to-face with a shark last month while surfing alone at Glenfield Beach on the coast of Western Australia. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1917, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing surf

• crowd surf
• surf and turf
• surf casting
• surf clam

Rhymes for surf

• scurf
• serf
• turf

Kids Definition

surf

1 of 2 noun

ˈsərf 

1

: waves that break upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 2 verb

1

: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)

2

: to scan the offerings of (as television or the Internet) for something of interest