Definition

To ride on the surface of the water, using one's body to catch and ride the waves without a surfboard.

Example

During the summer, many people love to bodysurf at the beach.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried to bodysurf at the beach?

Yeah, I did it last summer and it was so much fun!

I want to give it a shot; it looks easier than using a surfboard.

Definitely! It's a great way to enjoy the waves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bodysurf is formed from "body" (from Old English "bodig", meaning the physical structure of a person or animal) and "surf" (from the Old English "syrfe", meaning to ride on waves). The word describes the act of riding on waves using only the body, without a surfboard.

Memory Tip

Think of using your 'body' to 'ride' the waves — that's what bodysurfing is all about.

Visually Confused Words