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 Scout
: a member of any of various scouting movements: such as
a
: a member of the Scouting America program for children usually 11 to 17 years of age
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
Cite this Entry
“Scout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scout. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
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