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Scuttle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scuttle

[ˈskʌt(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement

To run with quick, hasty steps; scurry. To sink or stick into mud, sand, etc. To cut a hole or holes in the bottom, side, or deck of (a ship), generally to cause it to sink. To scrap or abandon (a project, plan, etc.).

Synonyms

abandon, scurry, slink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scuttle

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
scurry

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
slink

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
abandon

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

Examples of usage

  • He scuttled across the room to answer the phone.
  • The ship was scuttled by the pirates.
  • They decided to scuttle the proposal due to budget constraints.
Context #2 | Noun

ship

A small hatch or opening in a ship's deck or side.

Synonyms

hatch, opening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scuttle

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.
hatch

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.
opening

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.

Examples of usage

  • The crew accessed the storage area through the scuttle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'scuttle'

The word 'scuttle' originated from the Old English word 'scutel', meaning a dish or platter. Over time, it evolved to also refer to a small hatch or opening in a ship's deck or side. The verb form of 'scuttle' developed from the nautical practice of deliberately sinking a ship by cutting holes in its hull, a method known as scuttling. Today, 'scuttle' is commonly used to describe quick, hasty movements or the act of abandoning something quickly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,476, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.