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

The weather service issued a high-surf advisory for Ventura County beaches Monday morning because of large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Take part in one of Hawaii's most beloved pastimes by booking a lesson at a local surf school. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026

Verb

From surfing lessons to local festivals, here are some fun and mindful ways to enjoy Oahu’s beauty and cultural heritage. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026

The position is a key leadership role as USA Surfing continues to build momentum toward LA28 and long-term surfing success, the announcement said. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 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