surf

[ surf ]

noun

1. the swell of the sea that breaks upon a shore or upon shoals.
2. the mass or line of foamy water caused by the breaking of the sea upon a shore, especially a shallow or sloping shore.

verb (used without object)

1. to ride a surfboard.
2. to float on the crest of a wave toward shore.
3. to swim, play, or bathe in the surf.
4. to search haphazardly, as for information on a computer network or an interesting program on television.

verb (used with object)

1. to ride a surfboard on:

   We surfed every big wave in sight.

2. to search through (a computer network or TV channels) for information or entertainment.

surf

/ sɜːf /

noun

1. waves breaking on the shore or on a reef
2. foam caused by the breaking of waves

verb

1. intr to take part in surfing
2. 1. computing (on the internet) to move freely from website to website (esp in the phrase surf the net )
   2. to move freely between (TV channels or radio stations)
3. 1. to be carried on top of something

      that guy's surfing the audience

   2. ( in combination )

      trainsurfing

surf

/ sûrf /

1. The waves of the sea as they break upon a shore or a reef.

Derived Forms

• ˈsurfable, adjective
• ˈsurfˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• surfa·ble adjective
• surfer noun
• surflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of surf¹

First recorded in 1600–10; earlier suff; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of surf¹

C17: probably variant of sough ¹

Synonym Study

See wave.

Example Sentences

Wind gusts could bring power outages, downed trees and high surf along the coastline, the US weather agency said, which issued a "high risk excessive rainfall outlook" for northwest California.

From BBC

They also surprised me with a surfing shirt that just says “California” that’s on the ottoman.

From Los Angeles Times

And then they go surfing in places where sharks normally feed, putting themselves at much higher risk.

From Los Angeles Times

Most attacks are associated with people surfing and participating in other board sports.

From BBC

Funded by Children in Need, We Move at SpanArts offers activities ranging from singing to surfing across south west Wales.

From BBC

Related Words

• swell
• wave