scramble
verb (used without object)
to climb or move quickly using one's hands and feet, as down a rough incline.
had scrambled
-
past perfectof scramble.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The Norwegian military said Wednesday it had scrambled F-35 fighter jets on two consecutive days this week to intercept Russian military aircraft in international airspace north of Norway.
From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026
The volunteer group had scrambled there quickly enough, it seemed, to keep it from being a full-blown raid.
From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2025
Lawyers had scrambled to get the order after media reports confirmed what their clients had told them: Removals to Libya appeared imminent.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2025
By the time the gendarmes had sprinted to the boat, which now lay on the beach some 10m or so from the fast-retreating waves, the migrants and their minders had scrambled back into the dunes.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2023
Sekai had milk; Arm had scrambled eggs, but he kept looking hungrily at her botde.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
