To scoot means to move quickly in a small, sliding way, like when you're sitting at your desk and need to shift your chair a few inches closer without standing up. You might scoot over on the couch to make room for your sister, or scoot your plate across the table to reach the salt.

The word captures a particular kind of movement: fast but short, casual but purposeful. It's not walking or running, it's that quick shuffle or slide when you need to adjust your position. A parent might tell squabbling siblings to scoot apart from each other. When you're reading in bed and your feet are cold, you might scoot them under the covers.

Scoot can also mean to leave quickly, often with a playful or lighthearted tone. If you're running late for soccer practice, your mom might say, “You'd better scoot!” This usage suggests hurrying without quite the urgency of “Run!” or the formality of “Please leave now.”

The word has an informal, everyday feeling to it. You wouldn't scoot during a formal ceremony, but you'd definitely scoot your chair closer during a casual family dinner.