ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surf

v. · n.
US //ˈsɝf// UK //sˈɜːf// surf
  1. 1 to ride waves (v.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    to stand or lie on a special board and ride on the waves of the ocean.

    to ride on the crest of a wave towards the shore, typically while standing or lying on a surfboard.

    Example

    He learned to surf while on holiday in Australia last summer.

    Example

    Experienced athletes often travel to the coast of Portugal to surf the massive Atlantic swells during the winter months.

  2. 2 to browse the internet (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to spend time looking at different websites on the internet.

    to browse the internet or switch through television channels in a casual or exploratory manner.

    Example

    I usually surf the web for an hour before I go to sleep.

    Example

    While waiting for the software to update, she spent the afternoon surfing the internet for inspiration for her next design project.

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  1. 3 ocean waves (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the white foam and waves that break on the shore of the sea.

    the mass or line of white foam formed by waves breaking on the shore or a reef.

    Example

    We could hear the sound of the surf from our hotel room.

    Example

    The thunderous roar of the surf against the jagged cliffs made it impossible for the rescue team to hear each other speak.

  2. 4 surfing session (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    an act or period of time spent riding waves on a board.

    an instance or session of engaging in the sport of surfing.

    Example

    The morning surf was great today because the wind was very calm.

    Example

    After a long morning surf, the group gathered on the beach to dry their boards and discuss the best waves of the day.

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