scuttle

¹

[ skuht-l ]

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. a small hatch or port in the deck, side, or bottom of a vessel.
   2. a cover for this.
2. a small hatchlike opening in a roof or ceiling.

verb (used with object)

, scut·tled, scut·tling.

1. to sink (a vessel) deliberately, especially by opening seacocks or making openings in the hull.
2. to abandon, withdraw from, or cause to be abandoned or destroyed (as plans, hopes, rumors, etc.).

scuttle

²

[ skuht-l ]

verb (used without object)

, scut·tled, scut·tling.

1. to run with quick, hasty steps; scurry.

   Synonyms: scramble, scamper, hurry, hasten

noun

1. a quick pace.
2. a short, hurried run.

scuttle

³

[ skuht-l ]

noun

1. a deep bucket for carrying coal.
2. British Dialect. a broad, shallow basket.

scuttle

¹

/ ˈskʌtəl /

noun

1. See coal scuttle
2. dialect.
   a shallow basket, esp for carrying vegetables
3. the part of a motor-car body lying immediately behind the bonnet

scuttle

²

/ ˈskʌtəl /

verb

1. intr to run or move about with short hasty steps

noun

1. a hurried pace or run

scuttle

³

/ ˈskʌtəl /

verb

1. tr nautical to cause (a vessel) to sink by opening the seacocks or making holes in the bottom
2. tr to give up (hopes, plans, etc)

noun

1. nautical a small hatch or its cover

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuttle¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; of obscure origin; perhaps from Middle French escoutille or Spanish escotilla “hatchway,” equivalent to Spanish escot(e) “a cutting of cloth” + -illa, diminutive suffix; of Germanic origin; compare Gothic skaut “hem, seam”; sheet ¹( def ) )

Origin of scuttle²

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English scottlynge “scampering” (gerund), variant of scuddle, frequentative of scud ¹

Origin of scuttle³

First recorded in before 1050; Middle English scutel(le), scuttel “dish, basket, winnowing fan,” Old English scutel “dish, trencher, platter,” from Latin scutella, diminutive of scutra “shallow dish, pan”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuttle¹

Old English scutel trencher, from Latin scutella bowl, diminutive of scutra platter; related to Old Norse skutill, Old High German scuzzila, perhaps to Latin scūtum shield

Origin of scuttle²

C15: perhaps from scud , influenced by shuttle

Origin of scuttle³

C15 (n): via Old French from Spanish escotilla a small opening, from escote opening in a piece of cloth, from escotar to cut out

Example Sentences

He has also said he would scuttle the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, which is the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history and a landmark legislative win for the Biden administration.

From Salon

We’re facing massive tariffs, mass deportation and when it scuttles the economy, Trump will blame the Democrats and his 70 million plus voters will believe him.

From Salon

The county planned to renew shelter operations on the property until Norwalk’s law scuttled the decision.

From Los Angeles Times

If the money doesn’t come through soon, transit planners predict some critical projects may be scuttled — making it tougher for visitors and regular commuters to get around town.

From Los Angeles Times

Their partnership was worth 49 when Carse was given the ball immediately after lunch, needing only one delivery to scuttle into Jamal’s stumps.

From BBC

Related Words

• scamper
• scurry