1 A2 informal
To move a short distance to the side while seated to make room for another person.
"Scoot over a bit — I need to sit down too."
inseparable
scoot over
A2 informal inseparable intransitive
To move a short distance to one side, especially when seated, to make space.
In plain English
To quickly move a little bit sideways so someone else can fit.
What does "scoot over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To move a short distance quickly to a nearby location.
"I'll just scoot over to the shop and be back in ten minutes."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scoot (move quickly) over to one side — transparent.
Actually means
To quickly move a little bit sideways so someone else can fit.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday American and British English. Usually a request or command. Used on sofas, seats, benches, or in a car. Also used to mean moving a short distance quickly in general.
Words that pair with "scoot over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bench couch seat car sofa bed
How to conjugate "scoot over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scoot over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scoots over
he/she/it
Past simple
scooted over
yesterday
Past participle
scooted over
have + pp
-ing form
scooting over
continuous
Hear "scoot over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scoot over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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