scud

1 of 2

verb

ˈskəd 

scudded; scudding

intransitive verb

1

: to move or run swiftly especially as if driven forward

clouds scudding across the sky

2

: to run before a gale

scud

2 of 2

noun

1

: the action of scudding : rush

2

a

: loose vapory clouds driven swiftly by the wind

b(1)

: a slight sudden shower

(2)

: mist, rain, snow, or spray driven by the wind

c

: a gust of wind

Synonyms

Noun

• blow
• gust
• breeze
• tornado

Examples of scud in a Sentence

Verb

Clouds scudded across the sky.

Noun

a cold scud sent leaves skittering down from the trees

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Low clouds scudded over the mountain, and heavy thunderheads rose on the horizon. —Jim Carmichel, Outdoor Life, 5 June 2025

Much can be gleaned from the Pier Head because of its connection to brown, scudding waters and the riches the river brought through shipping and trades as grim as slavery, which helped finance the resplendence of the civic structures marking its frontage. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Noun

Winners that scud through the court from all directions. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Their optimism regarding the possible Iranian retaliation would be based on the history of Israeli resilience in the face of Iraq's scud attacks in 1991, and Hamas' and Hezbollah's rocket strikes. —Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps from Middle Dutch schudden to shake

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scud

• blood
• bud
• crud
• dud
• flood
• mud
• rud
• spud
• stud
• thud
• lifeblood
• youngblood

Kids Definition

scud

1 of 2 verb

ˈskəd 

scudded; scudding

: to move or run swiftly

clouds scudding across the sky

scud

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act of scudding

2

: light clouds driven by the wind