scurry
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
plural
scurries-
a scurrying rush.
the scurry of little feet on the stairs.
-
a short run or race.
verb
-
to move about or proceed hurriedly
-
(intr) to whirl about
noun
-
the act or sound of scurrying
-
a brisk light whirling movement, as of snow
-
horse racing a short race or sprint
Etymology
Origin of scurry
First recorded in 1800–10; extracted from hurry-scurry
Explanation
Scurry means to move quickly, at a frenzied pace, and often also implies the urge to hide. When you come upon a mouse in your house, chances are it will scurry away. Think of scurry this way — anytime you describe someone as scurrying, you're comparing them to a mouse. When you say troops scurried back behind their defensive lines, you're insulting them. When you say children scurry around searching for eggs during an Easter egg hunt, you think they're cute.
Vocabulary lists containing scurry
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unit 1: Telling Details
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 Great Words from "Fahrenheit 451" -- Part I Vocabulary
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“If we don’t win, yeah, we’re not talking now,” said Scurry, who went on to become a general manager, coach, club investor and author.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025
For goalkeeper Scurry, the introduction of the first women's football league was a direct impact of the so-called 99ers' success.
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024
Rashad Edwards, a film and television actor who runs pest management company Scurry Inc. in New York City with his wife, said the best method he has found when dealing with rodents is carbon monoxide.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024
“She’s a world-class player,” said Scurry, who played in four World Cups, making the penalty-kick save that won the title in 1999.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2023
She waved at the crowd and did a few steps from the Bugfoot Scurry Dance, which she’d learned on Cloving Square Dance Day, and they laughed and shouted some more.
From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
