# dart about

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dart-about
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to move quickly and suddenly from place to place, often changing direction. You use this to describe small animals or busy people moving around a space.

For teachers: To move rapidly and suddenly in various directions. This phrasal verb is intransitive and typically describes the erratic, high-speed movement of small creatures or energetic individuals.

## Examples

- The small fish dart about in the garden pond.
- Waiters dart about the busy dining room, balancing heavy trays while navigating through the crowd of hungry guests.
- As the sun began to set, dozens of swallows started to dart about the eaves of the barn, catching insects in the fading light.

## Usage notes

- Usually describes small, fast movements rather than long-distance travel.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'scurry' or 'crawl' to highlight the speed and suddenness of the movement; it is an excellent verb for adding energy to descriptive writing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.