hopscotch

[ hop-skoch ]

noun

1. a children's game in which a player tosses or kicks a small flat stone, beanbag, or other object into one of several numbered sections of a diagram marked on the pavement or ground and then hops hop on one foot over the lines from section to section and picks up the stone or object, usually while standing on one foot in an adjacent section.

verb (used without object)

, Informal.

1. to jump or leap from one place to another:

   Small birds hopscotched on the lawn.

2. to journey quickly and directly from one usually far place to another:

   ambassadors hopscotching from Moscow to Paris to London.

3. to move or pass through something, as a geographical area or a field of endeavor, making many brief stops:

   The candidate hopscotched through four states in two days.

4. to shift from one thing to another quickly or abruptly:

   The story hopscotches from the present to the past in a confusing way.

verb (used with object)

, Informal.

1. to jump or leap over.
2. to cross over (a large area or distance) in one continuous action:

   She hopscotches the country in her private plane.

3. to cross or travel through erratically or abruptly:

   The escaped convicts hopscotched the valley.

hopscotch

/ ˈhɒpˌskɒtʃ /

noun

1. a children's game in which a player throws a small stone or other object to land in one of a pattern of squares marked on the ground and then hops over to it to pick it up

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopscotch¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; hop ¹ + scotch ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hopscotch¹

C19: hop ¹+ scotch ¹

Example Sentences

The group has been known to break out into hopscotch, Hula-Hoop, line dancing, jump rope and patty-cake, among other games.

From Los Angeles Times

In a brightly coloured room with comfy sofas, cushions and toys, she has been playing hopscotch while I have been talking to Ali.

From BBC

“My beautiful, patient, understanding wife and my agent are very much against it and wish that I would just buy some sidewalk chalk and go hopscotch in the driveway,” he said.

From Seattle Times

The afternoon before the big day, my friends and I were playing hopscotch in the street when a white truck pulled up full of National Party T-shirts, balls and flags.

From BBC

On a patch of dirt, between rows of tents, Alma plays hopscotch with her uncle Sami's children, leaping from square to square.

From BBC

Related Words

• amble
• cruise
• drift
• float
• hike
• meander
• ramble
• roam
• saunter
• straggle
• stray
• stroll
• traipse
• trek