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

The silver object in his hand hit the ground too and skittered across the floor, toward Jonah.

From Literature

I was imagining concrete floors and mice skittering about, but the sofa bed is unfolded and covered with a thick quilt.

From Literature

She yelped as black liquid oozed from the open wound and a hairy white spider crept out and skittered away.

From Literature

On the night of May 17, many people driving along roads saw animals skitter out and wildly dart back into the forest.

From Literature

A prickle of apprehension skitters up the back of my neck.

From Literature

Related Words

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