English Reference
noun · verb

scoop

n. · v.
US /ˈskup/ UK /skˈuːp/ scoop UK spelling scooped, scooping, SCOOPS

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The baker kept a plastic scoop inside each flour bin to ensure consistent measurements during the morning rush.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the amount of something that fits into a scoop.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The recipe specifically calls for two level scoops of cocoa powder to achieve the desired richness in the cake.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The investigative journalist spent months undercover to land the scoop on the corporate embezzlement scandal.

    exclusiverevelationinside story
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to pick something up quickly or using a tool.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    She reached down to scoop the toddler into her arms before he could run toward the busy street.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to publish a news story before any other reporters can.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    By cultivating a network of anonymous sources, the young reporter frequently managed to scoop more established veterans in the press corps.

    preemptoutdo
  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    glissandoslide

Shaw, who was also recognised by the FWA, scooped the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second time.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026

South-westerly winds will scoop up more warm, humid air from Europe and it's likely to feel hot again in the best of the sunshine for England and Wales.

BBC News· 4 Sept 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *(s)kep-
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated