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

At high tide, sunbathers crowded into a neat line in front of the dunes, with the surf tickling their toes. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Further investment by the Carlsson family includes the purchase of an iconic 1822 bathhouse, Varbergs Kusthotell, a 30-minute drive from the family’s estate on the Halland coast (also near Apelviken, aka the best surf beach in Sweden). — Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

Kardashian also tried surfing alongside daughter Chicago, 8, and son Saint, 10, while son Psalm, 7, spent time in the sand in a video. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

The purchase restriction reinforces Patagonia’s message that equipment alone cannot make big-wave surfing safe. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 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