Nerf

American  

[nurf] / nɜrf /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for various toys modeled especially on sports equipment but made of foam rubber or other soft substances.

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verb (used with object)

1. (lowercase) (in a video game) to reconfigure (an existing character or weapon), making it less powerful.

   The game development team nerfed several guns in the recent update.

Example Sentences

Recently Kate Fakonas, a senior director of product design for Play-Doh and Nerf products, and Stephanie Buscher, vice president of supply planning, took part as co-CEOs competing against other teams.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

He had basketball hoops everywhere, including Nerf hoops in the doorways.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025

While we wait for the next tram, Ruby tells me about her part-time job at a centre for group Nerf games.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2024

She recalled a basement Nerf basketball game with Colin that got overheated.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024

I could tell by their faces that they were back in the park with their Nerf guns, aiming them at the trees.

From "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson