surf

1 of 2

noun

ˈsərf How to pronounce surf (audio)
Synonyms of surfnext
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

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Noun

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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
Rough surf and locally hazardous conditions for small craft are also anticipated over the northern Gulf. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Karina will stay away from land — spinning out its days in the open ocean — but some heavy surf could arrive to the shores of California later this week. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Kiyosaki was a poor student, more interested in surfing than studying. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 Biggs said the migratory species keep moving on, ‘surfing’ high-pressure systems in the air. — Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing surf

Rhymes for surf

See All Rhymes for surf

Browse Nearby Words

surexcitation
surf
surfable
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Cite this Entry

“Surf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surf. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

surf

1 of 2 noun
ˈsərf How to pronounce surf (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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