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 due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Dec. 2025

Find a public parking spot, load up your beach day essentials, and prepare to soak up all the wonders of the surf, sun, and sand. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Verb

Floripa is a great spot for both surfing and kitesurfing. —Carla Vianna, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

This weekend might not be the best day to go surfing, tidepooling, or frolicking along the shoreline. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2025

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