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View synonyms for scarf

scarf

1

[ skahrf ]

noun

, plural scarfs, scarves [skahrvz].
  1. a long, broad strip of wool, silk, lace, or other material worn about the neck, shoulders, or head, for ornament or protection against cold, drafts, etc.
  2. a necktie or cravat with hanging ends.
  3. a long cover or ornamental cloth for a bureau, table, etc.


verb (used with object)

  1. to cover or wrap with or as if with a scarf.
  2. to use in the manner of a scarf.

scarf

2

[ skahrf ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Slang.
  1. to eat, especially voraciously (often followed by down or up ):

    to scarf down junk food.

scarf

3

[ skahrf ]

noun

, plural scarfs.
  1. a tapered or otherwise-formed end on each of the pieces to be assembled with a scarf joint.
  2. Whaling. a strip of skin along the body of the whale.

verb (used with object)

  1. to assemble with a scarf joint.
  2. to form a scarf on (the end of a timber).
  3. Steelmaking. to burn away the surface defects of (newly rolled steel).
  4. Whaling. to make a groove in and remove (the blubber and skin).

scarf

1

/ skɑːf /

noun

  1. a rectangular, triangular, or long narrow piece of cloth worn around the head, neck, or shoulders for warmth or decoration


verb

  1. to wrap with or as if with a scarf
  2. to use as or in the manner of a scarf

scarf

2

/ skɑːf /

noun

  1. Also calledscarf jointscarfed joint a lapped joint between two pieces of timber made by notching or grooving the ends and strapping, bolting, or gluing the two pieces together
  2. the end of a piece of timber shaped to form such a joint
  3. a wedge-shaped cut made in a tree before felling, to determine the direction of the fall
  4. whaling an incision made along a whale's body before stripping off the blubber

verb

  1. to join (two pieces of timber) by means of a scarf
  2. to make a scarf on (a piece of timber)
  3. to cut a scarf in (a whale)

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Other Words From

  • scarfless adjective
  • scarflike adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scarf1

First recorded in 1545–55; of uncertain origin; perhaps special use of scarf 3

Origin of scarf2

An Americanism dating to 1955–60; variant of scoff 2, probably a respelling by r-less speakers

Origin of scarf3

First recorded in 1490–1500; probably from Old Norse skarfr (derivative of skera “to cut”) “beveled edge, end cut from a beam” (hence perhaps “a piece of cloth cut off, a scarf”; scarf 1 )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scarf1

C16: of uncertain origin; compare Old Norman French escarpe, Medieval Latin scrippum pilgrim's pack; see scrip ²

Origin of scarf2

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian skarv, Swedish skarf, Low German, Dutch scherf scarf 1

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Example Sentences

Perfume bottles stand next to bright scarves, her jewelry box and the urn with her ashes — all sitting on an antique table that belonged to her parents.

Traditionally known as Keffiyeh, Kufiya, Hatta or Shemagh scarf, it is offered in many different colorways.

When it comes to accessories, scarves are an extremely practical and versatile item.

The conversation-starter silk scarf also comes with Napier’s beloved facial cleansing wipes.

The company also sells solid, printed, and scarf masks, and you can mix and match if you’re buying more than one.

Even for Arabic dance no one wears a long dress, just a scarf around the hips.

The scarf was accompanied by a framed painting of Tanzanian birds and is valued at $595.

Every day before leaving home, Sara stands before the mirror and tightens the knot on her scarf.

At least Jake Gyllenhaal shaved off his grotesque face scarf this year.

Web users from across Iran gave their opinions, not of her work, but of her scarf.

She had laid aside the white shawl, but wore a red Indian scarf over her black gown.

Lamb could visualize him putting his coat on a hanger, carefully folding a scarf over it.

He thought her a charming picture in her long white coat, with a lace scarf over her head, and her arms full of costly toys.

In the dance in Scene VI she used a long black gauze scarf and a white one.

She did so, and bound the Vizier's arms with a scarf, which so amused the Wazir that he laughed loud and long.

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Related Words

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What Is The Plural Of Scarf?

Plural word for scarf

The plural form of scarf can be either scarfs or scarves, but scarves is more widely used. The plurals of some other singular words that end -f are also formed in this way, including leaf/leaves, elf/elves, and wife/wives. A similar change is made when pluralizing hoof as hooves

Irregular plurals that are formed like scarves derive directly from their original pluralization in Old English.

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