Skitter

To move lightly and quickly just above a surface, often erratically or with small, rapid movements. It suggests a sense of fleeting motion, often employed to describe the movement of small objects, insects, or animals. Skittering can also imply a lack of control or a hurried, almost panicky action. This rapid, glancing motion contrasts with more deliberate or sustained movement. The word emphasizes the lightness and speed of the movement, capturing the image of something briefly touching down or glancing off a surface, contributing a sense of agility or unease depending on the context.

Skitter meaning with examples

• The frightened mouse **skittered** across the kitchen floor, disappearing under the refrigerator as soon as it saw me. Its rapid, jerky movements made it seem like a tiny blur of gray. I could almost feel the panic. It’s a natural defense mechanism but, frankly, it's just not that helpful. It was almost like it was teleporting.
• As the hail began to fall, the children **skittered** into the house, their shoes clicking on the porch. The sudden shift in weather prompted a quick retreat. The drops were small but, as the rain turned to ice, the children wanted to be somewhere warm.
• The spilled marbles **skittered** across the polished wooden table after being nudged. The marbles bounced and rolled. The smoothness of the surface amplified the sound. Each one seemed to move on its own accord. The sound was actually quite loud. I was tempted to put some on the floor.
• With a shiver, the leaves **skittered** across the pavement in the wind, announcing autumn's arrival with a rustling, dancing chorus. The leaves, once vibrant, now embraced the air as the wind blew. As the seasons turned, the leaves now flew. It's time for a warmer coat.
• The tiny droplets of rain **skittered** down the windshield, blurring the view until the wipers could clear them away. Rain can make it difficult to drive. It's a good time to pull over. It can be dangerous.