verb
scamper
SKAM-puh
Scamper (verb) means to run quickly with short, light steps, often playfully. Example: “The puppy scampered across the garden chasing a ball.”
verb
1
To run quickly with short, light steps, often playfully.
"The puppy scampered across the garden chasing a ball."
noun
1
A short, quick, playful run.
"The children went for a scamper along the beach."
How to use scamper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo run quickly and lightly, the way small animals or children do.
Common pairings
scamper away
scamper off
scamper across
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Word forms
- Plural
- scampers
- Third person singular
- scampers
- Past tense
- scampered
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The puppy _____ across the garden chasing a ball.
Etymology
First recorded in the late 17th century; likely related to Dutch schamperen and ultimately the same root as "scamp," meaning "to run away."
Class of 1600
scamper joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scamper
See all rhymes for scamper →Frequently asked questions
What does “scamper” mean?
The word “scamper” means to run quickly with short, light steps, often playfully. In plain terms, to run quickly and lightly, the way small animals or children do.
How do you pronounce “scamper”?
“Scamper” is pronounced SKAM-puh (/ˈskæmpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scamper” in a sentence?
Here is “scamper” used in a sentence: “The puppy scampered across the garden chasing a ball.”
What part of speech is “scamper”?
Depending on how it is used, “scamper” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scamper” come from?
The word “scamper” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Dutch. First recorded in the late 17th century; likely related to Dutch schamperen and ultimately the same root as "scamp," meaning "to run away.".
How many meanings does “scamper” have?
“Scamper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to run quickly with short, light steps, often playfully.
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