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

However, Baltimore answered right back, as Henry scampered for a 44-yard score. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025

Visitors have the opportunity to spot a variety of diverse wildlife on the sandstone and limestone cliffs, from scampering foxes to nesting birds to fig trees, caper bushes, and acanthus — this iconic plant's jagged leaves can often be found carved atop Greece’s ubiquitous Corinthian columns. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025

Noun

Already up to 199 yards passing, his most in the playoffs — previous high, 131 — Hurts has also hurt the Commanders as a rusher, including on his nine-yard scamper for a touchdown to extend Philadelphia's lead to 34-15 with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 27 Jan. 2025

The 20-yard scamper into the end zone in the fourth quarter put the Jets ahead with 4:31 left in the game. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 16 Sep. 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