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1

scud

play

verb \ ˈskəd \

Definition of scud

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

See scud defined for English-language learners

See scud defined for kids

Examples of scud in a Sentence

Clouds scudded across the sky.

Recent Examples of scud from the Web

For all the stark drama—shadows scudding across cliffs, sudden shafts of sharpening air, clouds draping heavily over peaks—

— Smithsonian, "How (and Where) Did Hannibal Cross the Alps?," 28 June 2017
The sky was a dazzling blue, with fluffy white clouds scudding overhead.

— john cassidy, The New Yorker, "The Addicts Next Door," 31 May 2017
The volume is remarkably slender for one of such drama and scope — beautifully written, Worth’s words scudding easily and gracefully across the pages.

— kenneth m. pollack, New York Times, "A RAGE FOR ORDER," 25 Apr. 2016
There was something about that combination of granite peaks, scudding clouds, and the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tides that has remained in my memory forever.

— Town & Country, "The Best of Africa's Wine Country," 2 Apr. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scud.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scud

perhaps from Middle Dutch schudden to shake

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1532

See Words from the same year

2

scud

noun

Definition of scud

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

Examples of scud in a Sentence

a cold scud sent leaves skittering down from the trees

Recent Examples of scud from the Web

Scud, a sort of freshwater shrimp, are also heavily utilized.

— john schandelmeier, Alaska Dispatch News, "How to tell your gulls apart," 23 July 2017
Up until July last year, Kim had launched 16 Scuds, six Rodongs, six Musudans and three SLBMs.

— Bloomberg.com, "Less Than One Aircraft Carrier? The Cost of North Korea’s Nukes," 20 July 2017
A North Korean scud-type missile, with a range of 800-900 kilometers, would land in its target site within 10 minutes if fired at a standard angle of 45 degrees.

— foster klug, The Seattle Times, "North Korea claims it tested first intercontinental missile," 4 July 2017
Houthi rebels fired a SCUD missile at Saudi Arabia's capital Monday in an attack that appeared timed to coincide with President Trump's visit to the city, two U.S. officials told NBC News.

— ken dilanian, NBC News, "Houthi Rebels Fired Missile at Riyadh Hours Before Trump Arrived," 22 May 2017
Spinney Reservoir There have been rainbow trout in the 20- to 24-inch range being caught at both ramps on scud, chironomid, and egg patterns.

— colorado parks & wildlife, The Denver Post, "Colorado fishing report for week of May 7, 2017," 7 May 2017
There have been rainbow trout in the 20 to 24 inch range being caught at both ramps on scud, chironomid, and egg patterns.

— colorado parks & wildlife, The Denver Post, "Fishing report for the week of April 30, 2017," 2 May 2017
Descended from the famous Scud missile and otherwise known as Scud ER (Extended Range), Hwasong-7s are short-range range ballistic missiles with an operational range of about 600 miles.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The U.S. and North Korea Are Playing Ballistic Missile Cat and Mouse," 7 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scud.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of scud

1609

scud Synonyms

Synonyms

blast, blow, flurry, gust, williwaw, windblast

Related Words

breeze, zephyr; current, draft; air, breath, waft; puff, whiff; bluster, gale, hurricane, squall, tempest, tornado, windstorm; northeaster, norther, northerly, northwester, southeaster, southwester, westerly

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

SCUD Defined for English Language Learners

scud

play

verb

Definition of scud for English Language Learners

: to move or go quickly

Learn More about scud

See words that rhyme with scud Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scud Britannica English: Translation of scud for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scud

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Examples: scud in a Sentence