scouted; scouting; scouts
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
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
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
d
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
b
4
: individual, person
—used chiefly in the phrase good scout
scouted; scouting; scouts
1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully
scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainSynonyms
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
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
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 
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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
Dictionary Entries Near scout
Cite this Entry
“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scout
1 of 3 verb1
: 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 noun1
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
4
: individual entry 2 sense 2, person
you're a good scout
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
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