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 scamper

intransitive verb

: to run nimbly and usually playfully about

scamper

2 of 2

noun

: a playful or hurried run or movement

Synonyms of scamper

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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
Sebastian Galeano fools the Lake Mary defense by carrying it himself and scampers 40 yards for the touchdown. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Such a sequence leads to their third goal, as the two midfielders combine, escape the pressure, and open up space for Luis to scamper forward and find a floated pass for Emersonn to score. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
Both of his runs of 30-plus yards — the 36-yard scamper on the opening drive and a 38-yard run early in the second quarter — put North Miami Beach into the red zone. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Helped by a 34-yard pass play to former TFA running back Jaelyn Powell, and two more first-down passes to Dylan Troutman and Bryce Jackson, Edgewater got to the end zone with three minutes left, Quarterback Cruz James scored on a 7-yard scamper. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

scamp
scamper
scamperer
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Cite this Entry

“Scamper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scamper. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

scamper

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