ENGLISH
REFERENCE

scoot

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈskut// UK //skˈuːt// scoot Slang

v. to move quickly and quietly, often on a small vehicle like a scooter or a skateboard. You use this when you want to get somewhere fast without making much noise.

v. to move quickly and quietly, typically on a small, two-wheeled vehicle or by sliding one's feet. Informal in register; often implies a sense of urgency or stealth.


SIMPLE

He scoots away on his skateboard as soon as the light turns green.

CONTEXTUAL

The delivery driver had to scoot through the narrow alley to avoid the heavy traffic on the main road.

COMPLEX

The children would often scoot across the courtyard on their tiny scooters, weaving between the parked cars with a confidence that belied their young age.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Old Norse skjóta (“to shoot”), or perhaps related to Middle English scottlynge (“moving one's feet quickly, scampering”, literally “scuttling”), see scuddle, scuttle.

Etymology 2

Clipping of scooter.

Etymology 3

Variant of shoot.

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