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Glite Dictionary
to scutter

to scutter

1 8.2
To move quickly with short, hurried steps when you feel nervous
  • verb
  • /ˈskʌtər/
  • UK
: correr
  • It scuttered loudly on the linoleum.

Examples

  • On the 3 km-long plateau, we even spot an outrageously cute dassie (a myrax that resembles a guinea pig) scuttering across grey rocks.

    Blog text (29)

  • Other aliens scutter closer to the pool.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Beetles scuttered in amongst them.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • It was a blustery, cloudless night, a blue wedge of moon, and dead leaves scuttering in sidewalk eddies.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • The cat scuttered across the room when it heard a loud noise.

  • Children scuttered down the street, eager to catch the ice cream truck.

  • As the storm approached, leaves scuttered along the pavement, carried by the wind.

Synonyms

to scoot
vsto scutter
  • Informal
72 2.8

Move a short distance quickly, often to make room or hurry

usually describes short hurried steps for nervous busy motion rather than sudden moves
to scurry
vsto scutter
48 3.1

To move quickly with short, hurried steps because you feel afraid or rushed

moves for nervous or busy reasons rather than fear or urgent need
to scamper
vsto scutter
23 3.2

To move quickly with small, light, playful steps

is more about nervous or busy movement rather than playful action
to scuttle
vsto scutter
18 5.5

To move quickly with short hurried steps, often to hide or escape

is more general busy or nervous motion not focused on hiding
to skitter
vsto scutter
14 6.1

To move lightly and quickly, often in short quick steps like a leaf or small animal

is similar but emphasizes short hurried steps rather than light gliding
scurrying
vsto scutter
1 5.2

To move quickly with short, hurried steps because of fear

is about nervous or busy motion without necessarily implying fear or urgency

How Fast

to scurry
48 3.1
to scutter
  • UK
1 8.2
to scuttle
18 5.5

Surface Forms

scutter infinitive
scuttered past
scuttered past participle
scuttering present participle
scutters third person singular

Etymology

Scutter is likely an imitation of a quick, light sound, like the words scuttle, skitter, and scurry that all suggest fast, small steps. A helpful way to remember scutter is to picture a mouse in a quick scurry, because scutter means 'to move quickly with short, hurried steps'.