surf

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Getting into the ocean can require special equipment or a helping hand for those who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the surf on their own. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 The Coast Guard and the Maui Fire Department sent crews to search for the man, according to officials, and he was spotted by helicopter at about 9:40 a.m. A rescue swimmer was deployed, and the helicopter crew hoisted the man from the surf, officials said. Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
In 2010, Benjamin himself nearly drowned while surfing on Lake Michigan in Portage. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025 When not admiring this natural wonder, go surfing, explore the ocean pools and volcanic rock formations, or admire the historic terrace houses from the 1880s. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for surf

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of surf was in 1685

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surf. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

surf

1 of 2 noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on surf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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