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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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Noun
Strong surf from the storm will also continue to be a concern. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The cavelike, eucalyptus-scented steam room is glorious after a day in the cold surf. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
The island’s allure is often centered around exhilaration—surfing on its west coast and exploring its fathomless forests—yet a calmer current of energy runs alongside this adventurous spirit. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026 But for all the online surfing these agents can do, neither could eavesdrop on a cashier (yet). — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 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

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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 14 Oct. 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
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