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scamper

1 of 2

verb

scam·​per ˈskam-pər How to pronounce scamper (audio)
scampered; scampering ˈskam-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce scamper (audio)
Synonyms of scampernext

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The footage shows the moment the tree fell dramatically to the ground, only for Mila to suddenly emerge from within the branches and scamper away. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 In Niger, death was suddenly everywhere — even the tough lizards that scampered over the mud walls of my compound were dying. Janet Rich Edwards, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
Despite trailing by 12 points midway through the third quarter, Baltimore stuck with the run, and the result was a touchdown drive, culminating in an 18-yard scamper by Keaton Mitchell. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 With eight seconds left, North Crowley capped a drive that had excellent clock management with a 1-yard scoring scamper by running back Kiante Ingram. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scamper

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scamper was in 1685

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scamper. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

scamper

verb
scam·​per
ˈskam-pər
scampered; scampering
-p(ə-)riŋ
: to run lightly and usually playfully about
scamper noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scamper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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