skitter

American  

[skit-er] / ˈskɪt ər /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to skitter.

skitter British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of skitter

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

Example Sentences

At first, “Dust Bunny” feels a little light, the story skittering across its densely designed surface, with very little dialogue in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From Literature

“Poor Margaret,” Penelope thought as she watched the good-hearted girl skitter gracefully away across the cobblestones.

From Literature

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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