noun
skirmish
SKUR-mihsh
Skirmish (noun) means a short fight between small groups, usually part of a bigger conflict. Example: “A brief skirmish broke out between the two patrols near the border.”
noun
1
A short fight between small groups, usually part of a bigger conflict.
"A brief skirmish broke out between the two patrols near the border."
"Historians recorded several skirmishes before the main battle began."
2
A minor dispute or disagreement.
"The meeting turned into a skirmish over the budget."
verb
1
To fight in a small, brief clash.
"The two armies skirmished for days before the decisive battle."
How to use skirmish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small fight or argument, smaller than a full battle.
Common pairings
brief skirmish
border skirmish
skirmish over something
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Word forms
- Plural
- skirmishes
- Third person singular
- skirmishes
- Past tense
- skirmished
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A brief _____ broke out between the two patrols near the border.
Etymology
From Old French escarmouche, tracing back to Italian scaramuccia — the same root that gave English the character name "Scaramouche".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “skirmish” mean?
The word “skirmish” means a short fight between small groups, usually part of a bigger conflict. In plain terms, a small fight or argument, smaller than a full battle.
How do you pronounce “skirmish”?
“Skirmish” is pronounced SKUR-mihsh (/ˈskɝmɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “skirmish” in a sentence?
Here is “skirmish” used in a sentence: “A brief skirmish broke out between the two patrols near the border.”
What part of speech is “skirmish”?
Depending on how it is used, “skirmish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “skirmish” come from?
The word “skirmish” comes from Old French. From Old French escarmouche, tracing back to Italian scaramuccia — the same root that gave English the character name "Scaramouche".
How many meanings does “skirmish” have?
“Skirmish” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short fight between small groups, usually part of a bigger conflict.
