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

Two drives later, the former Oklahoma State standout scampered into the end zone for Miami’s only touchdown of the day. — Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Faced with fourth and seven in USC territory, Williams slipped past pressure and scampered to a first down. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Noun

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

Andrean senior running back Brady Stovall, who had 17 carries for 121 yards and a TD, capped the scoring with a 9-yard scamper. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 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