scarf
5 synonyms for scarf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long piece of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or style.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scarf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wool scarf
wrap a scarf
scarf down food
The "eat quickly" sense of scarf is informal, mostly used in casual speech.
Etymology
Probably from Old Northern French escarpe, a bag or pouch carried by pilgrims around the neck.
Full origin of scarf →Frequently asked questions
What does “scarf” mean?
The word “scarf” means a long piece of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or style. In plain terms, a strip of cloth worn around the neck, or, informally, to eat something fast.
How do you pronounce “scarf”?
“Scarf” is pronounced skahf (/skɑɹf/ in IPA).
How do you use “scarf” in a sentence?
Here is “scarf” used in a sentence: “He wrapped a wool scarf around his neck against the cold.”
What part of speech is “scarf”?
Depending on how it is used, “scarf” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scarf” come from?
The word “scarf” comes from French. Probably from Old Northern French escarpe, a bag or pouch carried by pilgrims around the neck.
Is “scarf” a common word?
“Scarf” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “scarf” have?
“Scarf” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long piece of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or style.
What is the difference between a scarf and a shawl?
A scarf is typically a long, narrow piece of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth or style, while a shawl is usually a larger, broader piece of fabric draped over the shoulders or upper body. Scarves are generally more versatile in how they are worn.
Is 'scarf down' formal or informal?
"Scarf down," meaning to eat something very quickly, is informal English and is common in casual speech and writing. It would not be appropriate in formal or professional contexts.
Where does the informal meaning of scarf as 'eat quickly' come from?
The informal verb sense of scarf, meaning to eat something very quickly, is unrelated to the neckwear meaning and functions as a separate, casual use of the same word. It is typically paired with "down," as in "scarf down a sandwich."
