scurry
UK: ˈskʌr.i | US: ˈskɜːr.i
vi. to move quickly with short, hurried steps (like a small animal)
n. a rapid, bustling movement or sound
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The word scurry likely emerged in the early 19th century as an alteration of hurry-scurry, a reduplicative phrase blending hurry (a variant of hurry) and scurry. The root scur may derive from the obsolete Dutch schuren ("to move hastily") or Middle English skirren ("to flee"). The -ry suffix adds a sense of repetitive or brisk action, mimicking the sound of light, rapid movement (e.g., tiny feet pattering). The word vividly evokes the skittering motion of small creatures like mice or insects.
The mice scurry across the kitchen floor when the lights turn on.
Leaves scurried along the sidewalk in the autumn wind.
Tourists scurried to find shelter as the rain began to pour.
She heard the scurry of footsteps behind her in the dark alley.
Ants scurried in and out of their nest with bits of food.