scarf

1 of 5

noun (1)

plural scarves ˈskärvz How to pronounce scarf (audio) or scarfs
1
: a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head
2
3
a
: a military or official sash usually indicative of rank
b
archaic : tippet sense 3

scarf

2 of 5

verb (1)

scarfed; scarfing; scarfs

transitive verb

1
: to wrap, cover, or adorn with or as if with a scarf
2
: to wrap or throw on (a scarf or mantle) loosely

scarf

3 of 5

verb (2)

scarfed; scarfing; scarfs

transitive verb

1
: scoff entry 3 sense 1
scarfed down my sandwich
2
: snap sense transitive 2
scarfed up the best seats

scarf

4 of 5

noun (2)

plural scarfs
1
: either of the chamfered or cutaway ends that fit together to form a scarf joint
2
: an in-line joint made by chamfering, halving, or notching two pieces to correspond and lapping them

Illustration of scarf

Illustration of scarf
  • 4scarf 2

scarf

5 of 5

verb (3)

variants or less commonly scarph
scarfed also scarphed; scarfing also scarphing; scarfs also scarphs

transitive verb

1
: to unite by a scarf joint
2
: to form a scarf on

Examples of scarf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
As soon as it was laid on the ground, my boy lunged at it with a markedly un-royal passion and scarfed it all down within a matter of minutes. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 31 Dec. 2023 The first one brought the stars to earth with invasive photos of them scarfing fast food. Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 With astonishing speed, the pack scarfs it down, while warthogs, vultures, and jackals wait in the periphery for the scraps. Scott Bay, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2023 Upon receiving word from Cooper the time was now, Mack scarfed his birthday pancakes, drove to the gym and worked out with them. Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, 8 Aug. 2023 There’s something about standing in line with at least a dozen other Saz’s stans eager to scarf one down that makes the combination of sticks, curds and fries taste so much better, so much more comforting, so sublimely like summer in Milwaukee. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2023 Leaning into Neuty’s growing fame, Myra created a TikTok account in December and posted videos of Neuty swimming in the pool, sporting a Mardi Gras hat, and scarfing a bedtime snack of apples, kiwis, cucumbers, corn on the cob and Cookie Crisp cereal. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2023 According to WalletHub, Americans will scarf down some 150 million hotdogs on the July 4th holiday and an additional $1.4 billion on beer and wine. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 3 July 2022 This physical trait allows redpolls to scarf up seeds and, if necessary, fly to a safe spot where the food can be regurgitated, husked and eaten. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2022
Noun
The drawers are big enough to house clothes, bedding, winter scarves, toys, socks, and more, while the wooden top provides a sturdy surface for storing items like books or lamps. Monica Bell, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 On the eighty-ninth floor, the very top of the hotel, attendees sat beside long, curved windows overlooking the Strip, the lights of the city spread out below like a sequinned scarf. Amanda Fortini, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Hamtramck City Councilman Khalil Refai, who introduced the resolution in December, approved 4-3, to rename Holbrook, yanked a red scarf from the street sign Thursday afternoon, unveiling it to applause. Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024 The silk satin pillow scarves are bound to connect too. Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 That began in 1958 when Ottavio and Rosita Missoni created a provocative fitting at the Rinascente mall in Milan, covering the eyes of the mannequins with colored, striped scarves. Billboard Italy, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 And so does Selena Gomez, who brought back French girl chic with a vengeance in a flared black Dior minidress, accessorized with a black scarf draped over her head. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 21 Feb. 2024 It can be spotted on scarves in cities across the world, including some where temperatures rarely approach freezing. Misty White Sidell, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Each floral pattern runs the length of the scarf requiring an entire day of work in pairs. Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scarf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of Middle French dialect (Norman) escreppe, Middle French escherpe sash, sling, from Old French, pilgrim's shoulder bag, from Medieval Latin scrippum

Verb (2)

by alteration

Noun (2)

Middle English skarf, probably from Old Norse skarfr butt end of a plank

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb (1)

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (3)

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarf was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarf

Cite this Entry

“Scarf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarf. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scarf

1 of 2 noun
plural scarves
ˈskärvz
or scarfs
1
: a broad band of cloth worn about the shoulders, around the neck, over the head, or about the waist
2

scarf

2 of 2 verb
: scoff entry 3 sense 1
scarfed down my sandwich

More from Merriam-Webster on scarf

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