goof

1 of 2

noun

1
: a silly or stupid person
2

goof

2 of 2

verb

goofed; goofing; goofs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to spend time idly or foolishly
usually used with off
goofing off instead of working
b
: to engage in playful activity
usually used with around
goofing around after school
2
: to make a usually foolish or careless mistake : blunder
often used with up

transitive verb

: to make a mess of : bungle
usually used with up
goofed up the assignment
Phrases
goof on
slang
: to make fun of : kid, put on
you're goofing on me, right?

Examples of goof in a Sentence

Noun Don't be such a goof. I made a major goof. Verb It was clear that someone had goofed.
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
Fans chanted for tables early in the the match, which will likely result in an unnecessary rant about table-thirst paying customers from that goof Dave Meltzer. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 The novel Abby fell asleep reading is a goof on City of Thieves, a novel by Game of Thrones co-showrunner David Benioff, who also wrote the novel adapted by Spike Lee into the great 2002 film 25th Hour (from Benioff’s screenplay). Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 May 2025
Verb
Much of the running time concerns best friends Preach Jackson (Glynn Turman) and Cochise Morris (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) goofing off and devising innovative ways to act on their senioritis. Brian Boone, Vulture, 10 June 2025 Among the snaps were one of the two cuddling as Tatum planted a kiss on Williams, 25, as well as a Polaroid of the pair goofing off, photos with dogs, the actor lounging in the sun and more. Jen Juneau, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goof

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably alteration of English dialect goff simpleton

First Known Use

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1932, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of goof was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Goof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goof. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

goof

1 of 2 noun
1
: a silly or stupid person
2

goof

2 of 2 verb
1
a
: to spend time foolishly
goofing off instead of working
b
: to engage in a playful activity
goofing around after school
2
3
: to make a mess of : bungle
goofed up the assignment
Etymology

Noun

probably an altered form of dialect word goff "simpleton"

More from Merriam-Webster on goof

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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