surf

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈsərf 

1

: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore

2

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

surf

2 of 3

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

surfer

3 of 3

noun (2)

surf·​er

ˈsərfər

plural -s

1

dialectal : surf scoter

2

: one who rides a surfboard

3

: one who scans a wide range of offerings (as on television or the Internet) for something of interest

she was also a constant surfer of all things online

—Garry Wills

Synonyms of surf

Noun (1)

• foam

Examples of surf in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Strong surf from the storm will also continue to be a concern. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026

The cavelike, eucalyptus-scented steam room is glorious after a day in the cold surf. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Verb

The island’s allure is often centered around exhilaration—surfing on its west coast and exploring its fathomless forests—yet a calmer current of energy runs alongside this adventurous spirit. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

But for all the online surfing these agents can do, neither could eavesdrop on a cashier (yet). — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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