skitter

[skit-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to go, run, or glide lightly or rapidly.

2. to skim along a surface.

3. Angling.,  to draw a lure or a baited hook over the water with a skipping motion.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to skitter.

skitter

/ ˈskɪtə /

verb

1. to move or run rapidly or lightly; scamper

2. to skim or cause to skim lightly and rapidly, as across the surface of water

3. (intr) angling to draw a bait lightly over the surface of water

Word History and Origins

Origin of skitter¹

1835–45; skit, variant of skite ¹ + -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of skitter¹

C19: probably from dialect skite to dash about; related to Old Norse skjōta to _shoot

Example Sentences

As Miss Mortimer left her standing there alone, Penelope’s heart skittered like a bird’s.

Read more on Literature

After freeing himself from the nest of yellow curls on Lady Constance’s head, the surprised squirrel leaped onto Cassiopeia’s shoulder for a quick nuzzle and a biscuit crumb before skittering away.

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He hopped off the seat and skittered away to the bakery, leaving Penelope in possession of what she now suspected was a stolen velocipede.

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But the road there is littered with skittering, fascinating ideas.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The striking “Porcelana,” about enduring pain for fleeting pleasure, has a woozy, dissonant arrangement that mixes woodwinds, shrieking strings, and skittering percussion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bound 
• carom 
• flit 
• gambol 
• graze 
• lope 
• prance 
• ricochet 
• scamper 
• scoot 
• skim 
• tiptoe