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Synonyms

scurry

American  
[skur-ee, skuhr-ee] / ˈskɜr i, ˈskʌr i /

verb (used without object)

scurried, scurrying

  1. to go or move quickly or in haste.

verb (used with object)

scurried, scurrying

  1. to send hurrying along.

noun

plural

scurries

  1. a scurrying rush.

    the scurry of little feet on the stairs.

  2. a short run or race.

scurry British  
/ ˈskʌrɪ /

verb

  1. to move about or proceed hurriedly

  2. (intr) to whirl about

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scurry

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Two scurried to the top of the garbage pile and used her teeth to draw open a silk bag.

From Literature

With Game 3 of the World Series underway at Dodger Stadium last October, a few folks scurried across a pedestrian bridge with LED lights and blue glow sticks.

From Los Angeles Times

The officer stepped out into the hall, the matron bobbing and scurrying after him with the stool.

From Literature

One of them peeled off a few folders from the stack she held against her chest and handed them to the other, who scurried away.

From Literature

Other local residents scurried to take cover in basements.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.