noun
scuttle
SKUHT-l
Scuttle (noun) means an open bucket or container used for carrying coal. Example: “He filled the coal scuttle before lighting the fire.”
noun
1
An open bucket or container used for carrying coal.
"He filled the coal scuttle before lighting the fire."
verb
1
To deliberately sink a ship by making holes in its hull.
"The crew scuttled the vessel rather than let it fall into enemy hands."
2
To run with short, hurried steps; to scurry.
"A crab scuttled sideways across the sand."
How to use scuttle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHas three unrelated meanings: a coal bucket, deliberately sinking a ship (also used figuratively for wrecking a plan), and scurrying quickly.
Common mistake
The verb "to scuttle a plan" (deliberately ruin or abandon it) comes from the ship-sinking sense, not the scurrying one.
Common pairings
scuttle the ship
scuttle the deal
coal scuttle
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Word forms
- Plural
- scuttles
- Third person singular
- scuttles
- Past tense
- scuttled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He filled the coal _____ before lighting the fire.
Etymology
From Old English scutel ("dish, platter"), ultimately from Latin scutella; the "sink a ship" and "scurry" senses developed separately in Middle English.
Related words
Rhymes for scuttle
See all rhymes for scuttle →Frequently asked questions
What does “scuttle” mean?
The word “scuttle” means an open bucket or container used for carrying coal. In plain terms, has three unrelated meanings: a coal bucket, deliberately sinking a ship (also used figuratively for wrecking a plan), and scurrying quickly.
How do you pronounce “scuttle”?
“Scuttle” is pronounced SKUHT-l (/ˈskʌt.l̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuttle” in a sentence?
Here is “scuttle” used in a sentence: “He filled the coal scuttle before lighting the fire.”
What is another word for “scuttle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scuttle” include cowl.
What part of speech is “scuttle”?
Depending on how it is used, “scuttle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scuttle” come from?
The word “scuttle” comes from Latin. From Old English scutel ("dish, platter"), ultimately from Latin scutella; the "sink a ship" and "scurry" senses developed separately in Middle English.
How many meanings does “scuttle” have?
“Scuttle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an open bucket or container used for carrying coal.
