scuttle
/ˈskʌtəl/
verb
- To run with short, quick steps, often in a hurried or nervous way.
- The crab scuttled sideways into its hole when it saw me.
- We watched the spider scuttle across the ceiling.
- The waiter scuttled between tables carrying trays of food.
- To deliberately sink a ship by opening holes in its hull, or to deliberately destroy or abandon a plan or project.
- The company scuttled the merger after the board raised concerns.
- The crew decided to scuttle the old ship rather than let it fall into enemy hands.
- Bad weather forced them to scuttle their plans for a beach party.
noun
- A small opening or hatch on a ship, often used for access or ventilation.
- A scuttle in the roof let in a little light and air.
- The sailor climbed through the scuttle to reach the lower deck.
- He closed the scuttle tightly to keep out the seawater.
- A short, quick run or dash.
- With a quick scuttle, the lizard disappeared under a rock.
- I heard a scuttle in the bushes and then silence.
- The mouse made a sudden scuttle for the corner.
- A container for coal, typically kept near a fireplace.
- She filled the scuttle with coal from the bin outside.
- He carried a scuttle of wood to the cabin.
- The old iron scuttle sat next to the hearth.