-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
channel surfing
noun
: the action or practice of surfing through television programs usually by use of a remote control
channel surf
intransitive verb
channel surfer
noun
Examples of channel surfing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But for those who still like the user experience of channel surfing and access to all the best of broadcast and most of the best of cable, this still works as a big bundle (and smaller price point) alternative.
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Content Providers Better adtech should make FAST scalable and profitable for studios and channels while encouraging viewers to keep watching instead of channel surfing.
—Keith Valory, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
The ability to hop from on-demand Disney kids' movies to on-demand sitcoms on Hulu to live programming centered on (the seemingly endless piles of) Marvel and Star Wars content feels a lot like channel surfing.
—Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024
Why Trust Us? Similar to channel surfing in the ’90s, online shopping today feels a bit overwhelming and disappointing.
—Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 23 June 2023
On Monday night, Brandon returned from dinner with friends in San Antonio and while channel surfing briefly wondered why CNN broadcasters were discussing an NFL game.
—Dallas News, 3 Jan. 2023
Uncertainty and shades of grey don't play well to Rush's audience, who are often mowing their lawns and channel surfing through stations.
—The Intersection, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2011
The same goes for straight people channel surfing their way to VH1 and getting sucked in.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2022
Dusan Bulut was 9 years old and channel surfing at home in Novi Sad, Serbia, when the street ball caper starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes appeared on the television.
—New York Times, 24 July 2021
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1988, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near channel surfing
Cite this Entry
“Channel surfing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/channel%20surfing. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
channel surfing
noun
: the action or practice of quickly looking at one television channel after another by use of a remote control
channel surf
verb
channel surfer
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share