English Reference

Word

surf

US/ˈsɝf/

UK/sˈɜːf/

Definitions

01to ride waves

A2 · Elementary Sports

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

ride wavesboard

02to browse the internet

B1 · Intermediate Computing

v. to spend time looking at different websites on the internet.

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

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

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

03ocean waves

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

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

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

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

04surfing session

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports Informal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

Word family

VERB

surf(A2)

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference