scurry

verb

scur·​ry ˈskər-ē How to pronounce scurry (audio)
ˈskə-rē
scurried; scurrying

intransitive verb

1
: to move in or as if in a brisk pace : scamper
2
: to move around in an agitated, confused, or fluttering manner
scurry noun

Examples of scurry in a Sentence

She scurried off to finish the job. Mice scurried around the house.
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.
My friend scurried to download it, but then the app takes you to a website that requires you to fill out a detailed form and establish an account. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Crazy ants, so named because of their erratic movements, scurry below. Alina Hartounian, NPR, 7 July 2025 The Infected have either starved to death or scurry through coastal England, subsisting on animal entrails and worms. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025 The sound of gunfire at the end of the game sent people scurrying for safety. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scurry

Word History

Etymology

short for hurry-scurry, reduplication of hurry

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scurry was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scurry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scurry. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

scurry

verb
scur·​ry ˈskər-ē How to pronounce scurry (audio)
ˈskə-rē
scurried; scurrying
: to move briskly : scamper
scurry noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scurry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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