scurry

[ skur-ee, skuhr-ee ]

verb (used without object)

, scur·ried, scur·ry·ing.

1. to go or move quickly or in haste.

verb (used with object)

, scur·ried, scur·ry·ing.

1. to send hurrying along.

noun

, plural scur·ries.

1. a scurrying rush:

   the scurry of little feet on the stairs.

2. a short run or race.

scurry

/ ˈskʌrɪ /

verb

1. to move about or proceed hurriedly
2. intr to whirl about

noun

1. the act or sound of scurrying
2. a brisk light whirling movement, as of snow
3. horse racing a short race or sprint

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurry¹

First recorded in 1800–10; extracted from hurry-scurry

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurry¹

C19: probably shortened from hurry-scurry

Example Sentences

How quickly or slowly can the chyrons listing adverse reactions scurry across your screen?

From Salon

Ukrainian forces had tried to make Russia nervous - "to scurry, to send troops from one area to another and to stop our offensive in key areas, above all in Donbas" - he said.

From BBC

You can put Hope Solo and Briana Scurry’s career stats together and they don’t match that.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the rally crowd didn’t scurry, but instead waited to see if he had survived, leading him to try to reassure them as he was rushed to safety by the Secret Service agents — an image that has grown iconic among Republican voters.

From Los Angeles Times

“Nobody involved, in my observation, including me, the other customers, and even the staff seemed to be happy,” he said of watching six baristas scurry around to complete orders.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bustle
• dart
• dash
• hurry
• rip
• scamper
• scoot
• scuttle
• sprint
• whisk
• zip