What does scoot mean?
Scoot means to move quickly, lightly, or with a sense of purpose, often covering only a short distance. People say that someone scooted away, scooted over, or scooted out of the way, and the word commonly suggests a brisk movement rather than a formal walk. It can also mean to travel on a scooter or another small wheeled vehicle. As an imperative, “Scoot!” asks someone to move aside or leave, sometimes playfully and sometimes impatiently. The related noun can refer to a quick movement or a ride on a scooter. Overall, scoot is an informal, vivid word useful for describing sudden, light, or hurried movement.
To move quickly or lightly, especially by hurrying away or making room for someone; to ride or travel on a scooter or similar vehicle.
"The child scooted over so that another passenger could sit down."
Informal and commonly used for movement over a short distance.
A quick movement or departure, or a ride on a scooter or similar small vehicle.
"They went for a scoot around the park."
The noun is informal and less common than the verb.
The plural is used for separate quick movements or rides.
"They took a few scoots around the block."
One small word carries both the rush of feet and the whirr of wheels: a child can scoot away on foot, or scoot off on a scooter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scoot come from?
The word appears in English by the 19th century, initially in the sense of moving quickly or slipping away. Its precise origin is uncertain, and it may have developed partly from dialectal and older forms associated with quick movement. The later meaning of traveling on a scooter follows the established noun “scooter” and the verb’s broader sense of moving off rapidly.
How scoot is actually used
The word is informal but widely understood. “Scoot” is especially common as an imperative meaning to move aside or leave quickly, and it can sound playful, brisk, or mildly impatient depending on context.
Easily confused with scoot
A scoot is an action of moving or riding quickly, while a scooter is the vehicle on which one may scoot.