scouted; scouting; scouts
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
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
plural scouts
1
a
: one sent to obtain information
especially
: a soldier, ship, or plane sent out in war to reconnoiter
c
sports
(1)
: a person sent out to secure firsthand information about the style of play, tactics, and strength of a rival
(2)
: a person sent out to obtain information about players by watching them in action with a view to making recommendations about the acquisition of players
d
2
a
: the act of scouting
b
: a scouting expedition : reconnaissance
3
often capitalized
: a member of any of various scouting movements: such as
a
b
4
: individual, person
—used chiefly in the phrase good scout
scouted; scouting; scouts
1
: mock
2
: to reject scornfully
scouted his explanation as a shabby falsehood—
Mark Twain
Mark TwainExamples of scout in a Sentence
Noun
you're a good scout
Verb (2)
the actor's attempt to rationalize his racist comments were roundly scouted by the media
Recent Examples on the Web
Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
The two typically sit near each other on team flights, only for Fried to bury his head in his laptop, scouting reports and personal notes.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
This was followed by a procession through the city, led by scouts, musicians, and community leaders.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scout
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Verb
Using the middle of the ice for outlets has been effective for the Oilers, but Florida will have scouted Edmonton, and new wrinkles may be required.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
The two typically sit near each other on team flights, only for Fried to bury his head in his laptop, scouting reports and personal notes.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
Noun
The next season, Moore had an audience of MLB scouts when OPRF played Downers Grove North, which featured George Wolkow.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
This was followed by a procession through the city, led by scouts, musicians, and community leaders.
—David Nikel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scout
Cite this Entry
“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scout
1 of 3 verb1
: to go about and observe in search of information : reconnoiter
2
a
: to make a search
scout about for firewood
b
: to find by searching
scouted up the necessary supplies
scout
2 of 3 noun1
a
: one sent to obtain information and especially to survey in preparation for military action in war
b
: a person who searches for talented newcomers
a baseball scout
2
: the act or an instance of scouting : reconnaissance
3
4
: individual entry 2 sense 2, person
you're a good scout
Etymology
Verb
Middle English scouten "to explore an area for information," from early French escouter "to listen," from Latin auscultare "to listen"
Verb
of Scandinavian origin
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