Scuttle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily to describe a quick, hurried movement typically involving short, rapid steps. Often used for describing the way small animals move.

• The crab scuttled across the sand
• She watched as the mouse scuttled into its hole

Used to describe a quick, light, and often panicked movement, typically involving small creatures or hurried people.

• The kids scurried to their seats when the teacher entered the room
• The squirrels scurried up the trees

Describes moving in a smooth, quiet, and often sneaky or guilty way. It can have a negative connotation.

• He tried to slink away unnoticed after breaking the vase
• The cat slinked through the grass, stalking its prey

Appropriate for describing the act of leaving something or someone behind, often permanently, and usually in a negative or dramatic situation.

• They had to abandon the house during the fire
• After months of effort, he decided to abandon the project

Informal or nautical contexts. Often used to describe a small hatch or opening on a ship, or the act of sinking a ship on purpose. May also refer to hurriedly running away from something.

• The crew used the scuttle to escape to the deck.
• She scuttled across the room to avoid being noticed.

Commonly used when referring to an opening in various types of vehicles or structures through which access can be gained. Can be found in homes, ships, and spacecraft.

• The technician opened the hatch to access the engine.
• They climbed up through the hatch to reach the rooftop.

General term applicable to a wide array of situations where an aperture or gap is created or exists. Used in construction, events, and everyday language.

• The birds flew in through an opening in the roof.
• The official opening of the new store will be next week.