noun
Uncommon
skid
SKIHD
Skid (noun) means an uncontrolled sliding movement, as when a vehicle's wheels lose grip. Example: “The car went into a skid on the icy road.”
noun
1
An uncontrolled sliding movement, as when a vehicle's wheels lose grip.
"The car went into a skid on the icy road."
verb
1
To slide sideways or out of control, typically due to loss of traction.
"The truck skidded to a stop just before the intersection."
How to use skid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo slide out of control, or the sliding movement itself.
Common mistake
The idiom "on the skids" means declining or in trouble, not literally sliding.
Common pairings
skid marks
go into a skid
skid to a halt
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Word forms
- Plural
- skids
- Third person singular
- skids
- Past tense
- skidded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The car went into a _____ on the icy road.
Etymology
From Old Norse "skíð," originally referring to a plank or beam something rests or slides on — the same root as "ski."
Related words
Rhymes for skid
See all rhymes for skid →Frequently asked questions
What does “skid” mean?
The word “skid” means an uncontrolled sliding movement, as when a vehicle's wheels lose grip. In plain terms, to slide out of control, or the sliding movement itself.
How do you pronounce “skid”?
“Skid” is pronounced SKIHD (/ˈskɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “skid” in a sentence?
Here is “skid” used in a sentence: “The car went into a skid on the icy road.”
What part of speech is “skid”?
Depending on how it is used, “skid” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “skid” come from?
The word “skid” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse "skíð," originally referring to a plank or beam something rests or slides on — the same root as "ski.".
Is “skid” a common word?
“Skid” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “skid” have?
“Skid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an uncontrolled sliding movement, as when a vehicle's wheels lose grip.
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