scamper

1 of 2

verb

scam·​per ˈskam-pər 

scampered; scampering ˈskam-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

Synonyms

Verb

• dash
• gallop
• jog
• run
• sprint
• trip
• trot

Examples of scamper in a Sentence

Verb

The kids were scampering around the yard.

A mouse scampered across the floor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Especially with Elliott not on the field, Prescott might have to scamper on the gridiron a few times against Atlanta. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Verstappen attempted to retake P2 going into Turn 8 but ran wide again, this time taking both drivers off the track as Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc scampered past both drivers into second. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Noun

Quinten Joyner impressed in his place, rushing for 83 yards in 10 carries, the most critical of which was a 23-yard scamper right before Maiava’s decisive pick. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

Junior quarterback Drew Nash ran for 144 yards and a pair of touchdowns, the last a 52-yard scamper that put the Mountaineers ahead 19-7 with 4:36 left in the third quarter. —Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably from obsolete Dutch schampen to flee, from Middle French escamper, from Italian scampare, from Vulgar Latin *excampare to decamp, from Latin ex- + campus field

First Known Use

Verb

1685, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1697, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scamper

verb

scam·​per

ˈskam-pər

scampered; scampering

-p(ə-)riŋ

: to run lightly and usually playfully about

scamper noun