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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
It’s certainly made for these (end) times: a lushly surreal, cynically ticklish goof on the ineffectiveness of political summits as apocalyptic dread mounts. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 Stewart threatens to steal the spotlight as his typically polite, good-natured goof, and Grant somehow makes an awful character immensely likable. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2024
Verb
In fact, the two can't stop goofing off — doing trust falls, dancing to Pascal's playlist, and having staring contests with the statues. EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024 In the meantime, Rodman can be seen goofing off with teammates like Alyssa Thompson on TikTok. Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 23 July 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near goof

Cite this Entry

“Goof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goof. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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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