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

• 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

How did Day-Lewis the younger go from scampering around sets to running a production of his own? —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025

While that’s happening, center Connor McGovern sealed off his defender, Torrence and Van Demark took out the two defenders ahead of them and Cook scampered for another gain of 10-plus yards. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Noun

The Colony’s Rylan Kessler responded with a 23-yard TD reception, but Seguin’s offense kept its foot on the gas with another scoring scamper from Andrews, a 29-yarder. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025

The 85-yard touchdown scamper was the second-longest rush in program history and the highlight of a comfortable but quirky 41-27 win against Washburn on a long, soggy Saturday. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025

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