scout

1 of 3

verb (1)

scouted; scouting; scouts

intransitive verb

1
: to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2
a
: to make a search
b
: to work as a talent scout

transitive verb

1
: to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2
: to explore in order to obtain information
3
: to find by making a search

scout

2 of 3

noun

plural scouts
1
a
: one sent to obtain information
especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter
c sports
(1)
: a person sent out to secure firsthand information about the style of play, tactics, and strength of a rival
(2)
: a person sent out to obtain information about players by watching them in action with a view to making recommendations about the acquisition of players
2
a
: the act of scouting
b
: a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized : a member of any of various scouting movements: such as
a
4
: individual, person
used chiefly in the phrase good scout

scout

3 of 3

verb (2)

scouted; scouting; scouts

transitive verb

1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully
scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehoodMark Twain

Examples of scout in a Sentence

Noun you're a good scout Verb (2) the actor's attempt to rationalize his racist comments were roundly scouted by the media
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The company is currently scouting another factory in Europe to be in closer proximity to automotive brands, such as Jaguar Land Rover, and fashion houses. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 The filmmaker aims to shoot the project in the Middle East and North Africa, and will start scouting early next year. Ben Croll, Variety, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
The draft isn’t until June, and Bailey will have plenty of chances to impress scouts in Big Ten play. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 Defensive back Jefferson, currently on the practice squad, has the unique perspective of playing for the Ravens (2017-19, 2021) and spending time as a scout under Hortiz in Baltimore before unretiring this year. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scout 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation

Verb (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scout was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scout

Cite this Entry

“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scout

1 of 3 verb
1
: to go about and observe in search of information : reconnoiter
2
a
: to make a search
scout about for firewood
b
: to find by searching
scouted up the necessary supplies

scout

2 of 3 noun
1
a
: one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war
b
: a person who searches for talented newcomers
a baseball scout
2
: the act or an instance of scouting : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized
a
4
: individual entry 2 sense 2, person
you're a good scout

scout

3 of 3 verb
1
2
: to reject as foolish
Etymology

Verb

Middle English scouten "to explore an area for information," from early French escouter "to listen," from Latin auscultare "to listen"

Verb

of Scandinavian origin

More from Merriam-Webster on scout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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