What does scamper mean?
To scamper means to run or move quickly and lightly, usually with a playful, lively, or excited manner. The word is especially common in descriptions of children and animals moving across a space, as in the sentence that the children scampered across the field. It can also mean to leave or move away quickly, sometimes with the implication of an escape or hurried departure. Scamper is generally informal and has an affectionate or energetic tone, making it more vivid than simply saying that someone ran or hurried away. As a noun, a scamper refers to the act or sound of moving quickly. Although its precise historical origin is uncertain, the word has been part of English for several centuries and remains a useful choice when the manner of movement matters as much as the movement itself.
To run or move quickly and lightly, especially in a playful way; to move off or away rapidly.
"The children scampered across the field as soon as the whistle blew."
Informal and often expressive; commonly used for children, animals, and playful movement.
A quick, lively run or movement.
"They set off in a scamper towards the river."
Less common than the verb and chiefly used in informal, literary, or descriptive writing.
To scamper is to move with the energetic lightness of someone who is having far too much fun to walk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scamper come from?
The precise origin of scamper is uncertain, and its early historical development is not fully clear. The word is first recorded in early modern English, where it described quick, lively running. It has no generally accepted close cognate that can be stated confidently.
Related word forms
How scamper is actually used
Scamper is an informal and usually affirmative verb. It often describes children, animals, or playful movement, and can convey a sense of exuberance rather than fear or urgency.
Easily confused with scamper
A scamp is a playful or mischievous person, whereas to scamper is to move quickly and lightly.
Scurry emphasizes hurried, often nervous movement, while scamper usually suggests a livelier or more playful quick movement.