goofed; goofing; goofs
1
a
: to spend time idly or foolishly
—usually used with off
goofing off instead of working
b
: to engage in playful activity
—usually used with around
goofing around after school
2
: to make a usually foolish or careless mistake : blunder
—often used with up
: to make a mess of : bungle
—usually used with up
goofed up the assignment
Synonyms
Examples of goof in a Sentence
Noun
Don't be such a goof.
I made a major goof.
Verb
It was clear that someone had goofed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Josh Max, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
One wonders if a bigger dose of humility might follow any goofs in the company’s NFL Christmas Day doubleheader.
—
Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2024
Jen Juneau, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
There is also a glam shot of Kourtney with sister Kim Kardashian, mom Kris Jenner with longtime love Corey Gamble and a series of photo booth snaps of the family goofing off.
—
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for goof 
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Noun
Despite its initial high price tag and a series of production and financial goofs, the car was well-received by many.
—Verb
Brooks' post included shots of the two posing outdoors, goofing off together, smiling for selfies inside cars and even FaceTiming while apart, plus a snap of Hemsworth with two dogs on the beach.
—Word History
Etymology
Noun
probably alteration of English dialect goff simpleton
First Known Use
Noun
1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
1932, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing goof
Dictionary Entries Near goof
Cite this Entry
“Goof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goof. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
goof
1 of 2 noun1
: a silly or stupid person
2
goof
2 of 2 verb1
a
: to spend time foolishly
goofing off instead of working
b
: to engage in a playful activity
goofing around after school
3
: to make a mess of : bungle
goofed up the assignment
Etymology
Noun
probably an altered form of dialect word goff "simpleton"
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