ENGLISH
REFERENCE

scoop

n. · v.
US //ˈskup// UK //skˈuːp// scoop
  1. 1 a tool (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a tool shaped like a small bowl with a handle, used for picking up things like ice cream, flour, or soil.

    a cup-shaped or bowl-shaped implement with a handle, designed for lifting and moving loose or soft materials.

    Example

    She used a large metal scoop to serve the mashed potatoes.

    Example

    The baker kept a plastic scoop inside each flour bin to ensure consistent measurements during the morning rush.
  2. 2 an amount (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the amount of something that fits into a scoop.

    the quantity or volume of material held by a specific scoop.

    Example

    Add one scoop of protein powder to your water and shake it well.

    Example

    The recipe specifically calls for two level scoops of cocoa powder to achieve the desired richness in the cake.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 exclusive news (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    an exciting news story that is reported by one person or newspaper before anyone else.

    an exclusive news story or piece of information obtained and published before any competing media outlets.

    Example

    The local reporter got a big scoop about the mayor's secret plans.

    Example

    The investigative journalist spent months undercover to land the scoop on the corporate embezzlement scandal.
  2. 4 to pick up (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to pick something up quickly or using a tool.

    to lift, move, or collect something with a scoop or in a similar sweeping motion.

    Example

    He managed to scoop the fallen leaves into a large bag.

    Example

    She reached down to scoop the toddler into her arms before he could run toward the busy street.
  3. 5 to beat others to a story (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to publish a news story before any other reporters can.

    to report a news item before a rival journalist or organisation.

    Example

    Our paper managed to scoop the national news on the local election results.

    Example

    By cultivating a network of anonymous sources, the young reporter frequently managed to scoop more established veterans in the press corps.
  4. 6 music pitch (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a note that starts a little bit lower than it should and slides up to the right sound.

    a vocal or instrumental note that begins slightly below the target pitch and slides upward.

    Example

    The singer added a little scoop to the beginning of the chorus.

    Example

    The jazz vocalist's signature style involved a subtle scoop on the opening note of every ballad, creating a soulful, relaxed atmosphere.
Origin

From Middle English scope, schoupe, a borrowing from Middle Dutch scoep, scuep, schope, schoepe (“bucket for bailing water”) and Middle Dutch schoppe, scoppe, schuppe ("a scoop, shovel"; > Modern Dutch schop (“spade”)), from Proto-Germanic skuppǭ, skuppijǭ, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kep- (“to cut, to scrape, to hack”). Cognate with Old Frisian skuppe (“shovel”), Middle Low German schōpe (“scoop, shovel”), German Low German Schüppe, Schüpp (“shovel”), German Schüppe, Schippe (“shovel, spade”). Related to English shovel.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference