surfing

[ sur-fing ]

/ ˈsɜr fɪŋ /

noun

the act or sport of riding the surf, as on a surfboard.

Origin of surfing

First recorded in 1915–20; surf + -ing¹

Also called surfriding.

surf

[ surf ]

/ sɜrf /

noun

the swell of the sea that breaks upon a shore or upon shoals.

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)

to ride a surfboard.

to float on the crest of a wave toward shore.

to swim, play, or bathe in the surf.

to search haphazardly, as for information on a computer network or an interesting program on television.

verb (used with object)

to ride a surfboard on: We surfed every big wave in sight.

to search through (a computer network or TV channels) for information or entertainment.

Origin of surf

First recorded in 1675–85; earlier suff; of uncertain origin

SYNONYMS FOR surf

1. See wave.

Related formssurf·a·ble, adjectivesurf·er, nounsurf·like, adjective

Can be confusedserf surf

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for surfing

The sport of surfing is a very sexy sport, beautiful people on beautiful beaches in minimal clothing.
Anastasia Ashley, Surfer-Cum-Model, Rides The Viral Internet Wave|James Joiner|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“It seems like volunteers for ISIS are surfing for the sublime,” Atran wrote to me on Sunday.
ISIS, Hip-Hop Jihadists and the Man Who Killed James Foley|Christopher Dickey|August 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Later, he saved up and spent a few years in Latin America, surfing, camping and backpacking.
Best Places to Party Around the World|Nina Strochlic|January 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Surfing on an ocean of media hagiography, Christie seemed unbeatable just when it was time for Democrats to declare themselves.
The Wrong Election Takeaways From Christie’s Win, Virginia, and More|Michael Tomasky|November 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Eastwood talks to Anna Klassen about filming with Brad Pitt, surfing, and his famous dad.
Scott Eastwood Is More Than Just Clint’s Smokin’ Hot Son|Anna Klassen|September 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If surfing the Net is part of the newlyweds' life, there is even less dialogue.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
He taught me diving and surfing until I was nearly as clever as he, and he was cleverer than the average Kanaka.
The House of Pride|Jack London
Conditions are ideal for surfing, outrigger canoe paddling and catamaran sailing.
Oahu Traveler's guide|Bill Gleasner
Help paddle an outrigger canoe in through the surf, take a surfing lesson, snorkel, swim or sun.
Oahu Traveler's guide|Bill Gleasner
He got to the crest of one wave and rode it in, surfing over a razorback reef.
The Sensitive Man|Poul William Anderson

British Dictionary definitions for surfing

surfing

/ (ˈsɜːfɪŋ) /

noun

the sport of riding towards shore on the crest of a wave by standing or lying on a surfboard

Derived Formssurfer or surfrider, noun

surf

/ (sɜːf) /

noun

waves breaking on the shore or on a reef

foam caused by the breaking of waves

verb

(intr) to take part in surfing

computing(on the internet) to move freely from website to website (esp in the phrase surf the net)
to move freely between (TV channels or radio stations)

informalto be carried on top of somethingthat guy's surfing the audience
(in combination)trainsurfing

Derived Formssurfable, adjectivesurflike, adjective

Word Origin for surf

C17: probably variant of sough 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for surfing

surfing

1955, verbal noun from surf (v.).

surf

1680s, probably from earlier suffe (1590s), of uncertain origin. Originally used in reference to the coast of India, hence perhaps of Indic origin. Or perhaps a phonetic respelling of sough, which meant "a rushing sound."