WordGarden.ioscoot
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /skˈuːt/
US
- /ˈskut/
Meanings
Verb
to move or go away quickly in a small hurried way
to shift a short distance along or aside, especially to make room
Beyond the definition
To scoot means to move quickly in a small, light, casual way, often by sliding a short distance. Think of a child pushing along on the floor, or someone moving over on a bench to make room for a friend; that is the classic "scoot over." It can also mean to hurry away. You might tell a cat to "scoot!" or say you need to scoot because you are late. The word has an informal, lively feel and often suggests quick movement without much effort.
It is also common when talking about shifting a little rather than going far. You can scoot your chair closer to the table, scoot a box across the floor with your foot, or scoot over so another person can sit down. Sometimes it is used more loosely for leaving quickly: "I have to scoot."
The word "scoot" describes quick, light movement, often over a short distance. Very often, it suggests sliding rather than taking full steps. Picture a child pushing along on the floor, someone shifting across a car seat, or a person on a bench moving over to make space. In everyday English, "scoot over" is one of the most common patterns, and it usually means "move a little so someone or something else can fit."
"Scoot" can also mean to leave quickly. If someone says, "I have to scoot," they usually mean they need to go now, often in a casual or friendly way. As a command, "Scoot!" can mean "move along" or "go away," and the tone is often light rather than harsh. You may hear it said to a child, a pet, or even jokingly to a friend.
The word can be used for both people and things. A person can scoot closer, scoot back, or scoot under a table. An object can also be scooted across the floor or along a desk. In all of these cases, the idea is not big, dramatic motion but a quick little shift. That is why the word feels informal, vivid, and easy to picture in action.
Examples
- 1
Polite request
Can you scoot over a little so I can sit down?
- 2
Baby movement
The baby scooted across the kitchen floor on her bottom.
- 3
Moving furniture
She scooted her chair closer to the window.
- 4
Leaving soon
I should scoot, or I'll miss the last bus.
- Phraseshould scoot
should leave now
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Quick exit
He scooted out of the meeting as soon as it ended.
- Phrasescoot out
leave quickly
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scootverb
Forms
- scootedpast tenseverb
- scooting-ing formverb
- scootsverb