1
: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe
2
: an object of scorn, mockery, or derision
scoffed; scoffing; scoffs
: to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scoffed at the idea
: to treat or address with derision : mock
scoffer
noun
scoffed; scoffing; scoffs
1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: seize
—often used with up
scoffed up the free gifts
: to eat something greedily
Examples of scoff in a Sentence
Verb (2)
scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game
Recent Examples on the Web
Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
During previous Trump speeches to Congress, Democrats would often fill the room with groans, boos, scoffs and even chants as a jab to the president.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Mark Hillman, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
Garrett first scoffs when his sparring partner, an innocent-looking chicken, enters the wrestling ring.
—Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scoff
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Noun
Banks call credit union bill ‘bad policy’ The North Carolina Bankers Association trade group opposes the bill and scoffs at the idea that banks have deserted communities.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025
During previous Trump speeches to Congress, Democrats would often fill the room with groans, boos, scoffs and even chants as a jab to the president.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
For anyone who scoffs at complaints about frivolous lawsuits, the Colorado Civil Rights Division’s most recent annual report shows that of 1,254 public accommodation complaints in 2022-23, only nine were determined to show probable cause for further action.
—Mark Hillman, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
Garrett first scoffs when his sparring partner, an innocent-looking chicken, enters the wrestling ring.
—Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scoff
Cite this Entry
“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoff. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scoff
1 of 3 noun
ˈskäf 
ˈskȯf
: an expression of scorn or mockery
scoff
3 of 3 verb1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: snatch entry 1 sense 2
scoffed up the free gifts
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