scamper

[ skam-per ]

verb (used without object)

1. to run or go hastily or quickly.
2. to run playfully about, as a child.

noun

1. a scampering; a quick run.

scamper

/ ˈskæmpə /

verb

1. to run about playfully
2. often foll by through to hurry quickly through (a place, task, book, etc)

noun

1. the act of scampering

Derived Forms

• ˈscamperer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scamper¹

1680–90; obsolete scamp to go ( scamp ) + -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of scamper¹

C17: probably from scamp (vb); see scamp ¹

Example Sentences

A raccoon scampered around the field during an MLS game between Philadelphia and New York City.

From Los Angeles Times

Tiny mammals scamper out of the path of its thunderous footsteps.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts was on first base and alertly scampered back to avoid a double play.

From Los Angeles Times

Suzie Bates was dropped twice in her 28, the innings' top score, and then crucially three were put down in the final over which allowed Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze to scamper nine extra runs.

From BBC

Even in the stifling temperature, Root played all of his trademark nudges and tucks, then scampered between the wickets.

From BBC

Related Words

• bolt
• dart
• hurry
• romp
• scoot
• scurry
• scuttle
• skip
• sprint
• trot
• zip