verb
scoot
skoot
Scoot (verb) means to move quickly, especially to leave in a hurry. Example: “I need to scoot — my meeting starts in five minutes.”
verb
1
To move quickly, especially to leave in a hurry.
"I need to scoot — my meeting starts in five minutes."
"The cat scooted under the sofa when the doorbell rang."
2
To slide over slightly, usually while seated, to make room.
"Scoot down so your sister can sit next to you."
How to use scoot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move fast or slide over — used both for a quick exit and for shuffling sideways.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
scoot over
scoot along
time to scoot
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like scoot.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- scoots
- Third person singular
- scoots
- Past tense
- scooted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I need to _____ — my meeting starts in five minutes.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly from Old Norse skjóta, "to shoot," or related to older English words for scampering quickly.
Related words
Rhymes for scoot
See all rhymes for scoot →Frequently asked questions
What does “scoot” mean?
The word “scoot” means to move quickly, especially to leave in a hurry. In plain terms, to move fast or slide over — used both for a quick exit and for shuffling sideways.
How do you pronounce “scoot”?
“Scoot” is pronounced skoot (/skuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scoot” in a sentence?
Here is “scoot” used in a sentence: “I need to scoot — my meeting starts in five minutes.”
What part of speech is “scoot”?
“Scoot” is a verb.
Where does the word “scoot” come from?
The word “scoot” comes from Old Norse. Origin uncertain; possibly from Old Norse skjóta, "to shoot," or related to older English words for scampering quickly.
How many meanings does “scoot” have?
“Scoot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move quickly, especially to leave in a hurry.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include scoot:
