scouted; scouting; scouts
1
: to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2
a
: to make a search
b
: to work as a talent scout
1
: to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2
: to explore in order to obtain information
3
: to find by making a search
plural scouts
1
a
: one sent to obtain information
especially
: a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter
c
sports
(1)
: a person sent out to secure firsthand information about the style of play, tactics, and strength of a rival
(2)
: a person sent out to obtain information about players by watching them in action with a view to making recommendations about the acquisition of players
d
2
a
: the act of scouting
b
: a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized
: a member of any of various scouting movements: such as
a
b
4
: individual, person
—used chiefly in the phrase good scout
scouted; scouting; scouts
1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully
scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainExamples of scout in a Sentence
Noun
you're a good scout
Verb (2)
the actor's attempt to rationalize his racist comments were roundly scouted by the media
Recent Examples on the Web
Matt Gelb, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025
The coach responsible for scouting the upcoming opponent — which rotates — has been in charge of creating each defensive game plan.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Yes, scouts love to see their radar gun hitting 98 mph, but Hernandez is best when his nasty slider at 86 mph is working.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scout
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Verb
Hitting coach Kevin Long went to the top step to debrief Sosa with some video and a scouting report.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2025
The coach responsible for scouting the upcoming opponent — which rotates — has been in charge of creating each defensive game plan.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
In this year’s draft class, former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah’s top 30 players include four Michigan alums: defensive tackle Mason Graham (4), tight end Colston Loveland (6), cornerback Will Johnson (13) and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (28).
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Yes, scouts love to see their radar gun hitting 98 mph, but Hernandez is best when his nasty slider at 86 mph is working.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scout
Cite this Entry
“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scout
1 of 3 verb1
: to go about and observe in search of information : reconnoiter
2
a
: to make a search
scout about for firewood
b
: to find by searching
scouted up the necessary supplies
scout
2 of 3 noun1
a
: one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war
b
: a person who searches for talented newcomers
a baseball scout
2
: the act or an instance of scouting : reconnaissance
3
4
: individual entry 2 sense 2, person
you're a good scout
Etymology
Verb
Middle English scouten "to explore an area for information," from early French escouter "to listen," from Latin auscultare "to listen"
Verb
of Scandinavian origin
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