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

For surf enthusiasts, Big Wave Bay is your call to arms, or rather, boards. —Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026

Southport is proof that some of the best coastal destinations aren’t necessarily known for their beaches, although there is plenty of sand and surf nearby. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

The decision was supposed to provide clarity for businesses that have spent the last year surfing the waves of tariff announcements and subsequent recalls. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Feb. 2026

Adventure seekers will want to check out the park's 39-foot-tall body slides or try surfing the Pipeline, which pumps 48,645 gallons of water per minute. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 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