scamper

1 of 2

verb

scam·​per ˈskam-pər How to pronounce scamper (audio)
scampered; scampering ˈskam-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce scamper (audio)
Synonyms of scampernext

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

Synonyms of scamper

Relevance

Verb

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
As the base runners scampered home, tying the game, Chicago players and fans alike shrieked with glee. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Massaro hit Maddox McCrary with a pitch to load the bases and Miller scampered home on a wild pitch. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026
Noun
Monkeys scamper across the decks and birds alight on railings. — Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2026 Kids scamper like squirrels toward a lone food truck selling chicken and fries. — Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scamper

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scamper was in 1685

Rhymes for scamper

See All Rhymes for scamper

Browse Nearby Words

scamp
scamper
scamperer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scamper. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scamper

verb
scam·​per
ˈskam-pər
scampered; scampering
-p(ə-)riŋ
: to run lightly and usually playfully about
scamper noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scamper

Nglish: Translation of scamper for Spanish Speakers

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