1 B1 informal
To move upward quickly with a light, agile movement.
"The cat scooted up the tree the moment it saw the dog approaching."
inseparable
scoot up
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To move upward, forward, or closer in a quick, light manner.
In plain English
To quickly move up or forward, usually in a small, easy way.
What does "scoot up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To move forward or closer along a seat or surface.
"Scoot up to the front of the queue if you want to be served first."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scoot (move quickly) upward or forward — transparent.
Actually means
To quickly move up or forward, usually in a small, easy way.
Usage tip
Informal and conversational. Used for physical movement, both upward (climbing a tree) and forward (moving along a seat toward the front). Also used to ask someone to move closer.
Words that pair with "scoot up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tree ladder seat chair front closer
How to conjugate "scoot up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scoot up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scoots up
he/she/it
Past simple
scooted up
yesterday
Past participle
scooted up
have + pp
-ing form
scooting up
continuous
Hear "scoot up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scoot up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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