skim

skihm

Skim (verb) means to read something quickly, picking up only the main points. Example: “I skimmed the report before the meeting instead of reading it word for word.”

verb

To read something quickly, picking up only the main points.

"I skimmed the report before the meeting instead of reading it word for word."

To move or pass lightly and quickly along or just above a surface.

"The stone skimmed across the lake before sinking."

To remove a substance floating on top of a liquid.

"Skim the fat off the soup before serving."

To illegally copy card details, or steal small amounts of money from transactions, without detection.

"The device on the ATM was used to skim card numbers."

How to use skim

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo read quickly without full attention, to glide over a surface, or to remove a top layer from a liquid.

Common pairings

skim milk skim through skim the surface card skimming

Word forms

skimmed past tense, skims plural, skims singular

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_____ the fat off the soup before serving.

Etymology

From Middle English forms related to Old French "escumer," meaning "to remove scum," from a Germanic root for "foam."

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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plane cream skip scan rake skitter run down skim off skim over cream off glance over

Related words

even money read white blood aircraft plane flat

Rhymes for skim

Kim

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Frequently asked questions

What does “skim” mean?

The word “skim” means to read something quickly, picking up only the main points. In plain terms, to read quickly without full attention, to glide over a surface, or to remove a top layer from a liquid.

How do you pronounce “skim”?

“Skim” is pronounced skihm (/skɪm/ in IPA).

How do you use “skim” in a sentence?

Here is “skim” used in a sentence: “I skimmed the report before the meeting instead of reading it word for word.”

What part of speech is “skim”?

“Skim” is a verb.

Where does the word “skim” come from?

The word “skim” comes from Old French. From Middle English forms related to Old French "escumer," meaning "to remove scum," from a Germanic root for "foam.".

How many meanings does “skim” have?

“Skim” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to read something quickly, picking up only the main points.

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