scamper
Scamper (verb) means to run quickly with short, light steps, often playfully. Example: “The puppy scampered across the garden chasing a ball.”
How to use scamper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo run quickly and lightly, the way small animals or children do.
Word forms
scampered past tense, scampers plural, scampers plural, scampers singular
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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."
Synonyms
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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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