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

Electric car technology favors light-weight little vehicles which can scamper around city and urban locations with perhaps two adults and two children on board. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

After Carson Beck scampered for a score with 18 seconds left, Ole Miss had one last miraculous effort as Trinidad Chambliss threw a deep ball into the end zone. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026

Noun

The first set up the Patriots with a short field and led to Maye’s touchdown scamper that tied it at 7 heading into halftime. —Dallas Morning News, 25 Jan. 2026

Henderson scored from 5 yards away after Stevenson rolled for a 56-yard scamper on the previous play. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 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