1
: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore
2
: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves
surfed; surfing; surfs
1
: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)
2
: to scan a wide range of offerings for something of interest
: to scan the offerings of (such as television or the Internet) for something of interest
surfer
noun
Examples of surf in a Sentence
Noun
We could hear the roar of the surf.
beachgoers romping in the swirling surf
Verb
He learned to surf when he was living in California.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
In 2018, a 64-year-old man died after being caught up in surf on the trail, and two years later, a 56-year-old woman also died after she was pulled into the ocean near the rock bridge, the Star-Advertiser reported.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
Heather Hiett,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
Known for its tropical climate, thermal hot springs, and outdoor adventure activities ranging from surfing to zip-lining, the province is home to popular expat hubs such as Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Nosara.
—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for surf
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2026
In 2018, a 64-year-old man died after being caught up in surf on the trail, and two years later, a 56-year-old woman also died after she was pulled into the ocean near the rock bridge, the Star-Advertiser reported.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
Verb
There weren’t many women who surfed, but there was room for me in the lineup, the area in the water where surfers wait for waves.
—
Heather Hiett,
Mercury News,
6 July 2026
Known for its tropical climate, thermal hot springs, and outdoor adventure activities ranging from surfing to zip-lining, the province is home to popular expat hubs such as Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Nosara.
—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for surf
Cite this Entry
“Surf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surf. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
surf
1 of 2 noun1
: waves that break upon the shore
2
: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves
surf
2 of 2 verb1
: to ride the surf (as on a surfboard)
2
: to scan the offerings of (as television or the Internet) for something of interest
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