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. scoop-neck the rounded low-cut neck of a garment. scoop-net a net used for sweeping a river bottom, or for catching bait. scooper n. scoopful n. (pl. -fuls).
[ ME f. MDu., MLG schope bucket etc., rel. to SHAPE ]