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 of scamper

Verb

• trot
• jog
• run
• gallop
• hurry

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

In an interview with MLB Network, his 2-year-old scampered off the stage. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

My father and his siblings had grown up scampering into these trees’ branches for figs and peaches, and snacking from crates full of almonds each fall. — Angelica Calabrese, Longreads, 7 July 2026

Noun

In late March, turtles sun themselves at the river's edge; Gambel's quail scamper between the rocks. — Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

Monkeys scamper across the decks and birds alight on railings. — Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for scamper

• camper
• damper
• hamper
• pamper
• stamper
• tamper

Kids Definition

scamper

verb

scam·​per

ˈskam-pər

scampered; scampering

-p(ə-)riŋ

: to run lightly and usually playfully about

scamper noun