To scoff means to speak about something in a mocking or scornful way, showing that you think it's ridiculous or not worth taking seriously. When your friend says they're going to read all 1,000 pages of a book in one weekend and you say “Yeah, right!” in a dismissive voice, you're scoffing at their claim.

Scoffing means showing contempt or disbelief, going beyond simple disagreement. Someone might scoff at a new invention, saying it will never work. A student might scoff at the idea of studying for a test, acting like it's unnecessary and beneath them. Scientists once scoffed at ideas like germs causing disease or humans flying in airplanes, ideas that later proved completely true.

The word carries a sense of superiority or mockery. When you scoff, you dismiss something as absurd or foolish rather than politely questioning it. A scoffing tone can include rolling your eyes, laughing derisively, or using a sneering voice.

Scoff can also mean to eat something quickly and greedily, especially in British English. You might scoff down your lunch before heading out to recess.