What does scuddle mean?
Scuddle means to move quickly in short, light steps, with the movement of a mouse, rabbit, or other small animal. The word often suggests a mixture of speed and furtiveness: a creature may scuddle into cover, disappear behind an object, or dart across an open space. It can also describe children moving with playful urgency, though its figurative uses often preserve the original image of quick, unobtrusive movement. Scuddle is less common than synonyms such as scurry, scamper, and dart, and its presence in a sentence adds a vivid, slightly old-fashioned or literary flavour. Although it can convey rapid motion generally, it is particularly associated with small beings whose movements are quick, nimble, and difficult to follow.
To run or move in a quick, hurried, light-footed manner, especially in a furtive or lively way.
"The fox cub scuddled through the undergrowth."
Especially used of small animals and children; relatively uncommon in modern standard English.
An act of running or moving quickly in a hurried or light-footed manner.
"With a sudden scuddle, the rabbit vanished behind the fence."
Plural forms are rare because the noun is uncommon.
"The children made quick scuddles across the yard."
Scuddle captures the quick, darting movement of a small creature that seems to appear and vanish in an instant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scuddle come from?
The word is attested in British English from the early 19th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, although its form and meaning suggest development from regional usage and an imitative or expressive idea of quick, shuffling movement.
Related word forms
How scuddle is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon in contemporary standard English and has a lively, literary quality. It is often used of small animals or children and can suggest nervous, furtive, or playful movement.
Easily confused with scuddle
Scuddle means to move away with quick, light steps, whereas scuttle often means to run away in a hurried or cowardly manner.
Scurry is a more common word for moving quickly with short steps, while scuddle often suggests especially light or furtive movement.