scouts
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈskaʊts// UK //skˈaʊts// scouts
n. people who are sent ahead of a group to find information or look for something. You might use them to find a safe path or to look for talented players for a sports team.
n. individuals dispatched ahead of a main body to gather intelligence, reconnoitre terrain, or identify talent. Often used in military, sporting, or organizational contexts.
The team sent scouts to watch the young player.
Military scouts moved quietly through the forest to check for any signs of the enemy camp.
Professional sports organizations invest heavily in international scouts to identify promising athletes before they are signed by rival clubs in more established markets.
Usage
Usually used in the plural when referring to a group or a general practice.