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. informal,  to be carried on top of something

      that guy's surfing the audience

   2. ( in combination )

      trainsurfing

surf

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

Other Word Forms

• surfable adjective
• surfer noun
• surflike 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

In a statement, the police said emergency services pulled the man out of the morning surf onto the shore at Long Reef Beach - but he "died at the scene".

From BBC

However, the incoming system will affect surf conditions, bringing an increased likelihood for dangerous rip currents Thursday and Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

They chose Long Beach because of its proximity to the beach for surfing and a preponderance of youthful — but not too youthful — vibes.

From Los Angeles Times

"Big surf means greater risk from rip currents, and the swell also coincides with spring tides, which means more powerful tidal water movement at greater speed," Mr Cousens said.

From BBC

Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it threatens to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to the eastern coast of the United States.

From BBC

Related Words

• swell 
• wave