English Reference

Word

scoop

US/ˈskup/

UK/skˈuːp/

Definitions

01a tool

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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.

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

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

02an amount

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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

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

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

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

03exclusive news

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun 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.

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

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

Synonyms

exclusiverevelationinside story

04to pick up

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.

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

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

Antonyms

05to beat others to a story

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.

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

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

Synonyms

preemptoutdo

06music pitch

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Technical

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.

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

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

Synonyms

glissandoslide

Real-World Examples

“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

Etymology

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.

Related words

Idioms

Domains

FilmMusicTelevision

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/scoop

English Reference