hopscotch

American  

[hop-skoch] / ˈhɒpˌskɒtʃ /

noun

1. a children's game in which a player tosses or kicks a small flat stone, beanbag, or other object into one of several numbered sections of a diagram marked on the pavement or ground and then hops hop on one foot over the lines from section to section and picks up the stone or object, usually while standing on one foot in an adjacent section.

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verb (used without object)

Informal.

1. to jump or leap from one place to another.

   Small birds hopscotched on the lawn.

2. to journey quickly and directly from one usually far place to another.

   ambassadors hopscotching from Moscow to Paris to London.

3. to move or pass through something, as a geographical area or a field of endeavor, making many brief stops.

   The candidate hopscotched through four states in two days.

4. to shift from one thing to another quickly or abruptly.

   The story hopscotches from the present to the past in a confusing way.

verb (used with object)

Informal.

1. to jump or leap over.

2. to cross over (a large area or distance) in one continuous action.

   She hopscotches the country in her private plane.

3. to cross or travel through erratically or abruptly.

   The escaped convicts hopscotched the valley.

hopscotch British  

/ ˈhɒpˌskɒtʃ /

noun

1. a children's game in which a player throws a small stone or other object to land in one of a pattern of squares marked on the ground and then hops over to it to pick it up

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Etymology

Origin of hopscotch

First recorded in 1795–1805; hop ¹ + scotch ¹

Example Sentences

“In the hopscotch of fate, you never know what’s going to survive,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

In a brightly coloured room with comfy sofas, cushions and toys, she has been playing hopscotch while I have been talking to Ali.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2024

But this summer, marine biologist Fernando Lima hopped among the algae-covered rocks like a child playing hopscotch.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 1, 2023

Watching “Peanuts,” even as a kid, was like playing a game of cerebral hopscotch.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2023

I hand him Dziusia, whom I’ve snatched straight out of a game of hopscotch she and Helena have chalked on the second bedroom floor.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• amble
• cruise
• drift
• float
• hike
• meander
• ramble
• roam
• saunter
• straggle
• stray
• stroll
• traipse
• trek