Word
scurry
Phoneticsscur·ry, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskɝi/
UK/skˈʌɹi/
Definition
v. to run quickly with small fast steps. You do this when you are in a hurry, scared, or trying not to be seen.
v. to move hurriedly with short quick steps, typically to escape notice, avoid danger, or reach shelter.
Examples
“Mice scurry across the kitchen floor at night.”
“When the lights come on, the cockroaches scurry under the fridge to hide.”
“After the thunder cracked, the children scurry back inside, laughing as rain begins to soak the garden path.”
Examples
simple
“Mice scurry across the kitchen floor at night.”
contextual
“When the lights come on, the cockroaches scurry under the fridge to hide.”
complex
“After the thunder cracked, the children scurry back inside, laughing as rain begins to soak the garden path.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “scurry” in context.
Verb
01. child scurry
“The children scurried back to their classroom after break.”
noun + verb
02. crab scurry
“Small crabs scurried sideways across the sand.”
noun + verb
03. mouse scurry
“A mouse scurried across the kitchen floor and vanished.”
noun + verb
04. rat scurry
“Rats scurried into the drains as the lights came on.”
noun + verb
05. scurry away
“The squirrels scurried away when the dog barked.”
verb + adv
06. scurry back
“Everyone scurried back inside when it started raining.”
verb + adv
Adjective
07. busily scurry
“Ants busily scurried back and forth across the path.”
adv + verb
08. frantically scurry
“Shoppers frantically scurried for cover when the alarm sounded.”
adv + verb
09. hurriedly scurry
“Commuters hurriedly scurried across the station in the rain.”
adv + verb
10. nervously scurry
“The mouse nervously scurried along the skirting board.”
adv + verb
11. hurriedly scurry out of sight
“The lizard hurriedly scurried out of sight under a stone.”
12. scurry across the floor
“A cockroach scurried across the floor and under the cooker.”
Usage
Intransitive; takes no direct object and is often followed by a directional phrase with 'across,' 'into,' or 'away'.
Real-World Examples
“Now and then, a hunched figure emerged from a doorway and scurried across the street, vanishing into the next road.” “So, the next time you see a rat scurrying along, perhaps you'll think about what rats symbolize—not just dirt and disease, but our everyday urban living.” “Videos filmed by students and teachers have shown leaks, scurrying rats, holes in walls and ceilings, broken toilets and not enough chairs or tables, meaning teachers have to carry them from classroom to classroom.” “Like one of those one-man stage shows you see at the Edinburgh fringe, where all the characters are played by a single guy scurrying around the stage frenetically putting on different costumes.” Etymology
Perhaps from hurry-skurry, a reduplication of hurry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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