surf

1 of 2

noun

ˈsərf 

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

Noun

• foam

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

Noun

Hazards from dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents extended along the Atlantic coastline from northern Florida through the Mid-Atlantic. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025

In Huntington Beach, with consistent surf over 8 feet, lifeguards rescued 152 people on July 4th, according to a news release. —City News Service, Oc Register, 6 July 2025

Verb

In 2010, Benjamin himself nearly drowned while surfing on Lake Michigan in Portage. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

When not admiring this natural wonder, go surfing, explore the ocean pools and volcanic rock formations, or admire the historic terrace houses from the 1880s. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing surf

• crowd surf
• surf and turf
• surf casting
• surf clam

Rhymes for surf

• scurf
• serf
• turf

Kids Definition

surf

1 of 2 noun

ˈsərf 

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