scamper

1 of 2

verb

scam·​per ˈskam-pər 

scampered; scampering ˈskam-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

Synonyms of scamper

Verb

• trot
• jog
• run
• gallop
• hurry

Examples of scamper in a Sentence

Verb

The kids were scampering around the yard.

A mouse scampered across the floor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Los Angeles scored its only run Sunday night when Ohtani scampered home on Andy Pages' single in the second. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

The Cowboys still had all three timeouts, affording them an opportunity to get the ball back one last time, but Bucs running back Bucky Irving scampered for the game-sealing first down two plays later. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

Against the Aggies, Roberts had seven explosive runs, including a 54-yard touchdown scamper on his final carry. — Pj Green october 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026

Reed’s 1-yard scamper extended the lead to 21-7 about 2 1/2 minutes before halftime. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably from obsolete Dutch schampen to flee, from Middle French escamper, from Italian scampare, from Vulgar Latin *excampare to decamp, from Latin ex- + campus field

First Known Use

Verb

1685, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1697, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for scamper

• camper
• damper
• hamper
• pamper
• stamper
• tamper

Kids Definition

scamper

verb

scam·​per

ˈskam-pər

scampered; scampering

-p(ə-)riŋ

: to run lightly and usually playfully about

scamper noun