scurry

verb

scur·​ry ˈskər-ē How to pronounce scurry (audio)
ˈskə-rē
scurried; scurrying
Synonyms of scurry

intransitive verb

1
: to move in or as if in a brisk pace : scamper
2
: to move around in an agitated, confused, or fluttering manner
scurry noun

Synonyms of scurry

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Examples of scurry in a Sentence

She scurried off to finish the job. Mice scurried around the house.
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.
Here are five ways to make your Halloween display friendlier to the creatures that fly, slither and scurry through your yard. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 This sensory organ lets rats scurry through buildings, sewers, burrows, and countless other environments with ease, regardless of visibility. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026 Daniels also could have scurried to his feet and spiked the ball because there were seven seconds remaining when he was tackled. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 But she, and New York Times journalists observing the raid, were soon distracted by a group of cockroaches scurrying past an oil canister. — Zishaan A Latif, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scurry

Word History

Etymology

short for hurry-scurry, reduplication of hurry

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scurry was in 1810

Phrases Containing scurry

Rhymes for scurry

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Browse Nearby Words

scurrilous
scurry
S curve
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Cite this Entry

“Scurry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scurry. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scurry

verb
scur·​ry ˈskər-ē How to pronounce scurry (audio)
ˈskə-rē
scurried; scurrying
: to move briskly : scamper
scurry noun
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