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
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Unit 1: Telling Details
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100 Great Words from "Fahrenheit 451" -- Part I Vocabulary
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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.
When the bruin returned, it was met with tiny shocks from an electrified mat, which made him scurry away.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026
Or the opportunity to introduce him to some innocent bystander so they can scurry away.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025
Once one side has been effectively tagged with responsibility, they’ll scurry for a way out.
From Slate • Oct. 1, 2025
The home side were the happier to scurry to the dressing room.
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025
He kicked it away and watched countless dislodged beetles scurry to new hiding places.
From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry
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.
