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Definition of skitter

skitter

/ˈskɪt.ɚ/
skit · ter
Plural:skitters
•
Adjective:skittery
•
Past Simple:skittered
•
Past Participle:skittered
•
Present Participle:skittering
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skitter Lexical Profile

skitter Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To move lightly, quickly, and often erratically across a surface, barely touching it.

Example

"Startled by the sudden light, several small crabs skittered across the wet sand into the surf."

2

To draw a baited hook or lure lightly and rapidly along the surface of the water (in angling).

Example

"The experienced angler skittered the frog lure over the lily pads to entice a strike from the bass."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A light, rapid, and often irregular movement or sound across a surface.

Example

"She heard the faint skitter of tiny claws across the attic floorboards."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for skitter

• Nearby Words

skirt
skirting
skit
skitter
skittery
skittish
skittishly

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-19th century, the word is a frequentative formation of the dialectal verb 'skit' (to dart or caper), which is itself of Scandinavian origin and related to Old Norse 'skjóta' (to shoot).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skitter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skitter
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