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

The enduring moment of the game is probably the deep touchdown pass between Shough and Chris Olave — the one that saw Olave shrugging off cornerback Jaycee Horn and then scampering into the end zone, then jumping into a Panthers field-side fan section. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025

To the dismay of the home fans, Loveland scampered 58 yards for a touchdown, stealing the lead – and the game – back for the Bears with just 17 seconds to play. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

Noun

The Cougars got a 15-yard scoring pass from quarterback Tyler Johnston to Gabriel Christion, a 50-yard run by Josh Oliver and a 20-yard scamper from Rodney Hill. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025

Jones ran for 23 yards on two carries, but a Jauan Jennings facemask penalty wiped out a 13-yard scamper by Jones to foil the opening drive. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 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