scud

1 of 2

verb

ˈskəd 

scudded; scudding

intransitive verb

1

: to move or run swiftly especially as if driven forward

clouds scudding across the sky

2

: to run before a gale

scud

2 of 2

noun

1

: the action of scudding : rush

2

a

: loose vapory clouds driven swiftly by the wind

b(1)

: a slight sudden shower

(2)

: mist, rain, snow, or spray driven by the wind

c

: a gust of wind

Synonyms

Noun

• blast
• blow
• flurry
• gust
• williwaw
• windblast

Examples of scud in a Sentence

Verb

Clouds scudded across the sky.

Noun

a cold scud sent leaves skittering down from the trees

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In downtown Tampa early Thursday, fierce winds tore down traffic lights, ripped signs out of the ground, and sent construction barricades scudding across the wet pavement. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024

Perun called in cluster munitions on them: a smoking warhead that scudded down, followed by a dozen impacts all around the group. —Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024

Noun

Their optimism regarding the possible Iranian retaliation would be based on the history of Israeli resilience in the face of Iraq's scud attacks in 1991, and Hamas' and Hezbollah's rocket strikes. —Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2011

In low, clear water when trout are spooky, a bait presented on a dry fly or scud hook will drift more naturally with the current and that can mean the difference between a take and a pass. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps from Middle Dutch schudden to shake

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scud

1 of 2 verb

ˈskəd 

scudded; scudding

: to move or run swiftly

clouds scudding across the sky

scud

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act of scudding

2

: light clouds driven by the wind