n. & v.
--n.
1. any of various objects resembling a spoon, esp.: a a short-handled deep shovel used for transferring grain, sugar, coal, coins, etc. b a large long-handled ladle used for transferring liquids. c the excavating part of a digging-machine etc. d Med. a long-handled spoonlike instrument used for scraping parts of the body etc. e an instrument used for serving portions of mashed potato, ice-cream, etc.
2 a quantity taken up by a scoop.
3 a movement of or resembling scooping.
4 a piece of news published by a newspaper etc. in advance of its rivals.
5 a large profit made quickly or by anticipating one's competitors.
6 Mus. a singer's exaggerated portamento.
7 a scooped-out hollow etc.
--v.tr.
1. (usu. foll. by out) hollow out with or as if with a scoop.
2 (usu. foll. by up) lift with or as if with a scoop.
3 forestall (a rival newspaper, reporter, etc.) with a scoop.
4 secure (a large profit etc.) esp. suddenly.
Phrases and idioms:
scoop-neck the rounded low-cut neck of a garment. scoop-net a net used for sweeping a river bottom, or for catching bait.
Derivatives:
scooper n. scoopful n. (pl. -fuls).
Etymology: ME f. MDu., MLG schope bucket etc., rel. to SHAPE