scoff

1 of 3

noun

ˈskäf How to pronounce scoff (audio)
ˈskȯf
1
: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe
2
: an object of scorn, mockery, or derision

scoff

2 of 3

verb (1)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

intransitive verb

: to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scoffed at the idea

transitive verb

: to treat or address with derision : mock
scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3

verb (2)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

transitive verb

1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: seize
often used with up
scoffed up the free gifts

intransitive verb

: to eat something greedily
Choose the Right Synonym for scoff

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery.

scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Examples of scoff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In the past, when my friends and I were bold enough to ask that the television behind the bar be changed to a Wisconsin women's volleyball game, it was met by scoffs from a few Brewers fans who couldn't be bothered to turn their chairs to look at the two other TVs in the room. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024 As the ancient practice of yoga morphs to meet ever-shifting American tastes, Charlotte is embracing a new variation that might have drawn scoffs just a few years ago. Roland Wilkerson, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 That drew scoffs of laughter from the Democratic side of the aisle. Lisa Mascaro, Farnoush Amiri, Stephen Groves and Keving Freking The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2023 Drescher’s trek to Puglia in southern Italy also drew scoffs from the management side of Hollywood’s bargaining table. William Earl, Variety, 10 July 2023 The Foundling he’s supposed to train against scoffs at him, telling Mando that Baby Yoda is too young. Erik Kain, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023 The chief’s comments during Tuesday’s meeting drew scoffs from activists and residents in attendance. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2023 For months, the consistent response was a shrug or a scoff. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023 Cosgrove told her son with a scoff, who then rolls his eyes and scoffs himself. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE.com, 1 Apr. 2022
Verb
But of course, other observers scoffed: These things weren’t even that big. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Cher’s lawyer, Peter J. Anderson, scoffed at the idea. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Campaign aides to President Joe Biden and other Democrats scoffed at Trump's comments. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Looking back to 2007 when the first iPhone was released, ahead of it then-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer scoffed. John Tamny, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Today’s autoworkers scoff at E.V.s as luxury items for people with three-car garages. Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Allies of Trump scoff at the narrative of Jan. 6 that has emerged. Lisa Mascaro, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2024 Residents and city leaders scoff at the overly simple idea that gentrification solved the city’s problems, although the median household income has drastically increased, and the typical home price is a little more than $900,000. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2024 Trump, sitting at the defense table, scoffed, gesticulated and spoke audibly to his lawyer. Harold Maass, The Week Us, theweek, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scoff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery

Verb (2)

alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoff was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scoff

Cite this Entry

“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoff. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scoff

1 of 3 noun
ˈskäf How to pronounce scoff (audio)
ˈskȯf
: an expression of scorn or mockery

scoff

2 of 3 verb
scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3 verb
1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: snatch entry 1 sense 2
scoffed up the free gifts

More from Merriam-Webster on scoff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!