scouting

"Scouting" is a versatile word with a few closely related but distinct meanings. It can refer to the activity of exploring and gathering information, a specific role in sports, or the famous worldwide youth movement. Here are the most common senses you will encounter.

1verbexploring / gathering information

When you go out to look around an area carefully — to find something, check if it is safe, or gather useful information — you are scouting. Think of it as being a detective for a place or situation. Soldiers, filmmakers, and hikers all do this.

everyday language, military, film · Modern, widely used

The director spent a week scouting locations for the new film.

The soldiers were scouting the area before the rest of the team moved in.

We went scouting for a good campsite before the rest of the group arrived.

2verbtalent scouting in sports

In sports, scouting means watching players or teams carefully to decide if they are good enough to recruit or to understand how they play. A person who does this job is called a scout. Clubs and teams rely heavily on scouting to find new talent.

sports, business · Modern, widely used

The football club has been scouting young players across South America.

She was scouting the opposing team to prepare a strategy for the next match.

He got noticed by a talent scout who had been scouting local tournaments.

3nounthe youth movement

Scouting (often written with a capital S) refers to the global youth organisation — the Scouts — founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907. It teaches young people outdoor skills, teamwork, and values like responsibility and community service. Millions of children around the world participate in Scouting.

youth organisations, education · Modern, widely used

He learned how to read a map and build a fire through Scouting.

Scouting has been an important part of her childhood — she loves the camping trips.

Many world leaders have spoken about how Scouting shaped their character.

4verbfigurativesearching for something desirable

More broadly, scouting can mean actively looking around for something you want — a good deal, a new restaurant, a business opportunity. It is less formal than the military sense, and you will often hear it in everyday conversation.

everyday language, business · Modern, widely used · figurative

I've been scouting the neighbourhood for a good coffee shop.

They are scouting for new office space in the city centre.

She spent the afternoon scouting the market for antique furniture.