WordGarden.iogoof
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈuːf/
US
- /ˈɡuf/
Meanings
Noun
a silly or foolish person
a mistake or blunder
Verb
to behave playfully or waste time
to make a mistake or bungle something
Beyond the definition
To "goof" usually means to make a silly mistake, often because of a brief moment of carelessness, confusion, or clumsiness. Everyone does it sometimes. It is usually not a serious error, but a small slip that may feel a bit funny afterward. You might goof during a presentation by saying the wrong word, or goof in the kitchen by adding salt instead of sugar. The word can also describe acting silly or wasting time, as in "goofing around" or "goofing off." In casual speech, it can even refer to a silly or lovable person.
The word "goof" usually describes a foolish or silly mistake, or the act of making one. It generally suggests something minor rather than serious: the kind of error that is awkward, annoying, or funny, but not disastrous. If someone says, "I really goofed," they usually mean they messed something up in a simple or careless way.
As a verb, you can "goof" on a task, "goof up" a plan, or "goof" during a meeting by saying the wrong thing. The word is also very common in expressions about behavior. To "goof around" means to act silly, joke around, or not behave seriously. To "goof off" means to waste time or avoid work when you should be paying attention. A teacher, parent, or boss might say, "Stop goofing off and get back to work."
As a noun, a "goof" can mean the mistake itself, as in "That was a silly goof." It can also mean a foolish, odd, or playful person, often in a teasing or affectionate way. This word belongs mostly to informal English and usually carries a light tone. You would not normally use it for a major failure or a tragic error. It fits better with everyday slip-ups, playful behavior, and people who seem harmlessly silly.
Examples
- 1
Email mistake
I goofed and sent the email to the wrong person.
- 2
Scheduling mistake
There was a small goof in the schedule, but we fixed it quickly.
- 3
Obvious mistake
I really goofed up by forgetting her birthday.
- Phrasegoof up
make a mistake, often an obvious one
- 4
Silly behavior
The kids were goofing around instead of getting ready for bed.
- Phrasegoof around
act silly instead of doing something serious
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Friendly teasing
He's a bit of a goof, but everyone likes him.
- Usagea goof
a silly person; often friendly, not harsh
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- goofnounverb
Forms
- goofing-ing formverbnoun
- goofedpast tenseverbnoun
- goofspluralnounverb