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
1
To read something quickly, picking up only the main points.
"I skimmed the report before the meeting instead of reading it word for word."
2
To move or pass lightly and quickly along or just above a surface.
"The stone skimmed across the lake before sinking."
3
To remove a substance floating on top of a liquid.
"Skim the fat off the soup before serving."
4
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo read quickly without full attention, to glide over a surface, or to remove a top layer from a liquid.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
skim milk
skim through
skim the surface
card skimming
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Word forms
- Plural
- skims
- Third person singular
- skims
- Past tense
- skimmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ 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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for skim
See all rhymes for skim →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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