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

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Spend the morning taking a surf lesson, kayaking on Jamaica Bay or hop on the hotel’s beach cruisers to explore the boardwalk before settling into a lounge chair beside the saltwater pool. — Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Verb

There weren’t many women who surfed, but there was room for me in the lineup, the area in the water where surfers wait for waves. — Heather Hiett, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

Known for its tropical climate, thermal hot springs, and outdoor adventure activities ranging from surfing to zip-lining, the province is home to popular expat hubs such as Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Nosara. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 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