shoulder surfing

noun

The use of direct observation, such as looking over someone's shoulder at an ATM, in order to obtain information.

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Meanings

nounshoulder surfing (uncountable)
  1. uncountablechiefly computer securityThe use of direct observation, such as looking over someone's shoulder at an ATM, in order to obtain information.
  2. uncountablehobbiesa technique in surfing requiring less skill, riding the wave lower down than its critical point
Cite this entry
APA

shoulder surfing. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoulder%20surfing

MLA

“shoulder surfing.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoulder%20surfing. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shoulder surfing,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shoulder%20surfing.

Source: shoulder surfing on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.