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

The 32-mile Catalina Classic is one of the most grueling endurance contests on the planet — an ultra-marathon of the sea — and an annual rite of passage in Southern California surf culture.

From Los Angeles Times

The National Weather Service has issued a gale warning and high surf advisory across the coast in Northern California, calling the ocean conditions hazardous, especially for inexperienced mariners and those operating small vessels.

From Los Angeles Times

These bamboo-fabric socks with a serious 1970s vibe and “SRF LA” print would channel big California energy even if they didn’t have a deep connection to SoCal surf culture.

From Los Angeles Times

In many ways, the debate about whether this particular event somehow went too far in celebrating the very hate and rage it seeks to help it surf to a victory next week is almost too on-the-nose to be believed.

From Slate

The islands therefore have a flourishing tourism economy from surf camps and travel agencies that offer foreign surfers guided trips.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• swell
• wave