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 of surf

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

Rough surf and locally hazardous conditions for small craft are also anticipated over the northern Gulf. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Karina will stay away from land — spinning out its days in the open ocean — but some heavy surf could arrive to the shores of California later this week. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Italian had surfed the early chaos well to rise rapidly from starting near the rear of the field after an engine-change grid penalty. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Camp Manitou, a brand-new collaboration with the storied eponymous camp in Maine, hosts field trips to secret beaches as well as surfing lessons, bodyboarding, and snorkeling excursions to Hanauma Bay. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

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