Scuttle

/ˈskʌtəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A container for coal.

He filled the scuttle with fresh coal to keep the fire burning.

verb

To run with quick, hasty steps.

The children scuttled across the playground when the bell rang.

To sink a ship deliberately.

The captain decided to scuttle the vessel to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

To cause something to fail or be defeated.

They attempted to scuttle the proposal with last-minute objections.

Middle English 'scutlen', from dialectal scutt 'to run' or its variant from Old Norse 'skutla'.

scuttle away

To move away quickly, often trying to avoid being seen.

scuttlebutt

Gossip or rumors, especially in a naval context.

scurrying

Moved quickly and lightly.

scuttlefish

Another term for a type of fish, can also refer to a type of cuttlefish.

To abandon or leave something hastily.

He scuttled the plan when he heard the boss was coming.