skirmish
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.”
How to use skirmish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small fight or argument, smaller than a full battle.
Word forms
skirmished past tense, skirmishes plural, skirmishes singular
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.