First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1scout
verb \ˈskau̇t\
Definition of SCOUT
intransitive verb
1
: to explore an area to obtain information (as about an enemy)
2
a : to make a search b : to work as a talent scout
transitive verb
1
: to observe in order to obtain information or evaluate
2
: to explore in order to obtain information
3
: to find by making a search
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Origin of SCOUT
Middle English, from Anglo-French escuter to listen, from Latin auscultare — more at auscultation
2scout
noun
: a soldier, airplane, etc., that is sent to get information about the size, location, equipment, etc., of an enemy
: a person whose job is to search for talented performers, athletes, etc.
Full Definition of SCOUT
1
a : one sent to obtain information; especially : a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter b : watchman, lookout c : talent scout
2
a : the act of scouting b : a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3
4
: individual, person —used chiefly in the phrase good scout
See scout defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCOUT
1534
3scout
verb
Definition of SCOUT
transitive verb
1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully <scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood — Mark Twain>
intransitive verb
: scoff
Origin of SCOUT
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skūti taunt; akin to Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
First Known Use: 1605
SCOUT Defined for Kids
1scout
verb \ˈskau̇t\
scout·edscout·ing
Definition of SCOUT for Kids
1
: to explore an area to find out information about it
2
: to search an area for someone or something <… they scouted around for a place to spend the night. — E. L. Konigsburg, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler>
2scout
noun
Definition of SCOUT for Kids
1
: a person, group, boat, or plane that gathers information or searches an area
2
often cap : boy scout
3
often cap : girl scout
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