I. scout 1 /skaʊt/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 .
a) the Scouts an organization for boys that teaches them practical skills
b) ( also boy scout ) a boy who is a member of this organization
2 . ( also Girl Scout ) American English a girl who is a member of an organization for girls that teaches them practical things SYN guide British English
3 . a soldier, plane etc that is sent to search the area in front of an army and get information about the enemy:
He sent three scouts ahead to take a look at the bridge.
4 . ( also talent scout ) someone whose job is to look for good sports players, musicians etc in order to employ them:
He was spotted by a scout at the age of 13.
II. scout 2 BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: escouter 'to listen' , from Latin auscultare ]
1 . [intransitive] ( also scout around/round ) to look for something in a particular area
scout for
I’m scouting round for a place to stay.
2 . [transitive] ( also scout out ) to examine a place or area in order to get information about it:
American companies are keen to scout out business opportunities in Vietnam.
3 . [intransitive and transitive] to find out about the abilities of sports players, musicians etc in order to employ them