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

Rather, a throwing error by third baseman Osleivis Basabe allowed Brandon Lowe to scamper home for the winner. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Sebastian Galeano fools the Lake Mary defense by carrying it himself and scampers 40 yards for the touchdown. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Andrean senior running back Brady Stovall, who had 17 carries for 121 yards and a TD, capped the scoring with a 9-yard scamper. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

And, well, one possibly could have been called on tight end Travis Kelce for holding on Mahomes’ TD scamper. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 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