noun

scout

SKOWT

noun

A person sent ahead to gather information, especially about an enemy or unfamiliar territory.

"The scout reported enemy movements before dawn."

A person who searches for talented individuals on behalf of a team or organization.

"A baseball scout watched him pitch in the district finals."

A member of a youth organization focused on outdoor skills, teamwork, and community service.

"She earned her badge at scout camp last summer."

verb

To explore an area or assess a situation in advance, especially to gather information.

"They scouted the trail before bringing the whole group."

"The coach sent an assistant to scout next week's opponent."

How to Use Scout

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) sent ahead to gather information, or the act of doing that gathering yourself.

Common pairings

talent scout scout troop scout the location boy scout

Word Forms

scouted past tense, scouted past tense, scouted past tense, scouts plural, scouts plural, scouts plural, Scouts plural, scouts singular, scouts singular, scouts singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ reported enemy movements before dawn.

Etymology

From Old French escoute, \"the act of listening,\" ultimately from Latin auscultare, \"to listen\" — the same root behind the word auscultation.

Rhymes for scout

out tout bout gout lout pout rout about trout spout clout grout

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