phrasal verb

scoot over

skoot OH-vuhr

Scoot over (phrasal verb) means to shift sideways while seated or lying down, usually to make room for someone else. Example: “Scoot over, I want to sit down.”

phrasal verb

informal To shift sideways while seated or lying down, usually to make room for someone else.

"Scoot over, I want to sit down."

"She scooted over on the sofa so the dog could get on."

How to use scoot over

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSlide along a seat to make space.

When to use it

Informal and spoken; chiefly North American, though widely understood.

Memory tip

Scooch over is a common variant and means the same.

Easily confused with

budge up move over scooch over

Common pairings

scoot over a bit scoot over and make room

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, I want to sit down.

Synonyms

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shift over move over budge up shove over slide over

Rhymes for scoot over

over cover lover hover Dover mover rover clover Hoover Grover glover Hanover

See all rhymes for scoot over →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between scoot over and move over?

They mean the same thing, but scoot over implies a small shuffling movement while still sitting or lying, and it sounds friendlier and more American. Move over is neutral and works for anything, including a car changing lane.

Is scoot over rude?

Not in itself, though it is a direct request. Adding please or a bit softens it: scoot over a bit, would you?

What is the British equivalent of scoot over?

Budge up, or shove up. Both are informal and mean exactly the same thing.

What is the meaning of scoot over?

"scoot over" (phrasal verb) means to shift sideways while seated or lying down, usually to make room for someone else.