scamper

1 of 2

verb

scam·​per ˈskam-pər 

scampered; scampering ˈskam-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

Synonyms

Verb

• dash
• gallop
• jog
• run
• sprint
• trip
• trot

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

Verb

The entire percussion section was on point, with lively xylophones scampering over a trap kit, adding lots of unexpected timbral pop. —Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024

Traffic wardens hold back cars and motorbikes as the intelligent animals wait, then scamper across busy roads. —Graeme Green, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

scamper

verb

scam·​per

ˈskam-pər

scampered; scampering

-p(ə-)riŋ

: to run lightly and usually playfully about

scamper noun