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.
Inside, there’s the occasional model being fitted and photographed, outside there are truck drivers, caterers, lighting specialists and many more milling around or scurrying about. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 Normally, the hours and days before the prospect of a shutdown on Capitol Hill are filled with scenes of lawmakers and aides scurrying about to negotiate possible settlements. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025 After scurrying through passengers, the scared kitten ended up in the arms of New York native Betsaida Mercado, who picked up the feline and took her home. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 Simply place the bait traps in areas where roaches typically scurry—along baseboards or in corners—and wait. Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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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