scoff
Scoff (verb) means to speak about something with scorn or mockery, treating it as ridiculous. Example: “He scoffed at the idea that the plan could ever work.”
How to use scoff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo mock something dismissively, or (informally, mainly UK) to eat something fast.
The "eat quickly" sense is informal and mostly British; American English would more likely say "scarf down" or "wolf down."
Word forms
scoffed past tense, scoffed past tense, scoffs plural, scoffs plural, scoffs singular, scoffs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ at the idea that the plan could ever work.
Etymology
From Middle English scof, likely of North Germanic origin, related to Old Norse skaup, "mockery."
Related words
Rhymes for scoff
See all rhymes for scoff →Frequently asked questions
What does “scoff” mean?
The word “scoff” means to speak about something with scorn or mockery, treating it as ridiculous. In plain terms, to mock something dismissively, or (informally, mainly UK) to eat something fast.
How do you pronounce “scoff”?
“Scoff” is pronounced skof (/skɔːf/ in IPA).
How do you use “scoff” in a sentence?
Here is “scoff” used in a sentence: “He scoffed at the idea that the plan could ever work.”
What part of speech is “scoff”?
Depending on how it is used, “scoff” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scoff” come from?
The word “scoff” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scof, likely of North Germanic origin, related to Old Norse skaup, "mockery.".
How many meanings does “scoff” have?
“Scoff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to speak about something with scorn or mockery, treating it as ridiculous.
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