scarf

¹

[ skahrf ]

noun

, plural scarfs, scarves [skahrvz].

1. a long, broad strip of wool, silk, lace, or other material worn about the neck, shoulders, or head, for ornament or protection against cold, drafts, etc.
2. a necktie or cravat with hanging ends.
3. a long cover or ornamental cloth for a bureau, table, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or wrap with or as if with a scarf.
2. to use in the manner of a scarf.

scarf

²

[ skahrf ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Slang.

1. to eat, especially voraciously (often followed by down or up ):

   to scarf down junk food.

scarf

³

[ skahrf ]

noun

, plural scarfs.

1. a tapered or otherwise-formed end on each of the pieces to be assembled with a scarf joint.
2. Whaling. a strip of skin along the body of the whale.

verb (used with object)

1. to assemble with a scarf joint.
2. to form a scarf on (the end of a timber).
3. Steelmaking. to burn away the surface defects of (newly rolled steel).
4. Whaling. to make a groove in and remove (the blubber and skin).

scarf

¹

/ skɑːf /

noun

1. a rectangular, triangular, or long narrow piece of cloth worn around the head, neck, or shoulders for warmth or decoration

verb

1. to wrap with or as if with a scarf
2. to use as or in the manner of a scarf

scarf

²

/ skɑːf /

noun

1. Also calledscarf jointscarfed joint a lapped joint between two pieces of timber made by notching or grooving the ends and strapping, bolting, or gluing the two pieces together
2. the end of a piece of timber shaped to form such a joint
3. a wedge-shaped cut made in a tree before felling, to determine the direction of the fall
4. whaling an incision made along a whale's body before stripping off the blubber

verb

1. to join (two pieces of timber) by means of a scarf
2. to make a scarf on (a piece of timber)
3. to cut a scarf in (a whale)

Other Words From

• scarfless adjective
• scarflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarf¹

First recorded in 1545–55; of uncertain origin; perhaps special use of scarf ³

Origin of scarf²

An Americanism dating to 1955–60; variant of scoff ², probably a respelling by r-less speakers

Origin of scarf³

First recorded in 1490–1500; probably from Old Norse skarfr (derivative of skera “to cut”) “beveled edge, end cut from a beam” (hence perhaps “a piece of cloth cut off, a scarf”; scarf ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarf¹

C16: of uncertain origin; compare Old Norman French escarpe, Medieval Latin scrippum pilgrim's pack; see scrip ²

Origin of scarf²

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian skarv, Swedish skarf, Low German, Dutch scherf scarf ¹

Example Sentences

He appeared relaxed, wrapping a white scarf around his neck and reclining with legs crossed and a hot mug of coffee.

From Salon

And to be sure, a significant portion of the viewing public scarfs these characters and their nasty business like candy corn.

From Los Angeles Times

He is tactless, following Cohn into a restroom to beg for his help or scarfing down cheeseballs and talking about midget wrestling at an Atlantic City casino buffet.

From Salon

“I want attending this festival to be my permanent job,” said Armesto, who wore a skinny scarf and round glasses.

From Los Angeles Times

In Europe, where soccer is called “football” and teams are called “clubs,” one of the ways football fans show their support is by sporting a woven club scarf.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bandanna
• shawl
• stole

What Is The Plural Of Scarf?

Plural word for scarf

The plural form of scarf can be either scarfs or scarves, but scarves is more widely used. The plurals of some other singular words that end -f are also formed in this way, including leaf/leaves, elf/elves, and wife/wives. A similar change is made when pluralizing hoof as hooves. 

Irregular plurals that are formed like scarves derive directly from their original pluralization in Old English.