hurry-scurry

or hur·ry-skur·ry

[ hur-ee-skur-ee, huhr-ee-skuhr-ee ]

noun

1. headlong, disorderly haste; hurry and confusion.

adverb

1. with hurrying and scurrying.
2. confusedly; in a bustle.

adjective

1. characterized by headlong, disorderly flight or haste.

hurry-scurry

adverb

1. in frantic haste

adjective

1. hasty and disorderly

noun

1. disordered haste

verb

1. to rush about in confusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurry-scurry¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of hurry-scurry¹

C18: reduplication of hurry ; compare helter-skelter

Example Sentences

An 1879 poker tournament attracts a cast of colorful high rollers, opportunists and scam artists to the dusty Arizona frontier in "Western Religion," a one-dimensional movie painted in painfully broad strokes and whizzing, hurry-scurry action sequences.

From Los Angeles Times

It all acts as a counterweight to the hurry-scurry of Harvard Square around the corner, where crowds of tourists jostle with Ivy League academics amid the clamor of street performers, vendors and the thrum of traffic.

From Washington Times

The hurry-scurry, the angry hum of recent weeks had departed; a quivering stillness now permeated the premises.

From Literature

The streets were filled with the hurry-scurry of a moving army, splashing through mud puddles.

From Literature

There must be no untidiness or hurry-scurry; you must never leave things behind, or tear or crumple them—if so, your carelessness will bring its own punishment, for it would prevent the spell's working, and even I—fairy or witch as you think me——" "No, no," Clodagh interrupted eagerly, "not witch.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chaotic
• haphazard
• hurried