verb / noun

scoot

SKOOT/skuːt/

A quick movement, often over a short distance.

She scoots quickly through the open doorway.

A young woman scoots briskly through an open doorway, captured in a quick running stride with her trailing foot airborne and loose hair streaming behind her.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain, though the word already meant sudden or swift movement in its earliest recorded use. A connection with Old Norse skjota, “to shoot,” is possible but unconfirmed.

In context

Mr. Media Interviews By Bob Andelman49:50

I had a 10 o'clock appointment oh I'm sorry Oh God let me scoot can I squeeze off one more question and let you go

Phil Everly: An hour of his time from 1984! INTERVIEW

More examples

He scooted his chair closer to the table.
A quick scoot took the child across the room.
We are scooting over to make more space.

Forms

scoot · scoots · scooted · scooting

Similar words

hurry: Hurry emphasizes speed or urgency, not a short quick movement.
dart: Dart suggests a sudden sharp movement, often in one direction.