Definition of SKIP (original) (raw)
1
a
: to move or proceed with leaps and bounds or with a skip
b
: to bound off one point after another : ricochet
2
: to leave hurriedly or secretly
skipped out without paying their bill
3
a
: to pass over or omit an interval, item, or step
b
: to omit a grade in school in advancing to the next
1
a
: to pass over without notice or mention : omit
b
: to pass by or leave out (a step in a progression or series)
2
a
: to cause to skip (a grade in school)
b
: to cause to bound or skim over a surface
skip a stone across a pond
3
: to leap over lightly and nimbly
4
a
: to depart from quickly and secretly
b
: to fail to attend or participate in
1
a
: a light bounding step
b
: a gait composed of alternating hops and steps
2
: an act of omission or the thing omitted
1
: the captain of a side in a game (such as curling or lawn bowling) who advises the team as to the play and controls the action
Synonyms of skip
Examples of skip in a Sentence
Verb (1)
children skipping along the woodland path the day was so nice that we decided to skip class and go to the beach the soap slipped out of my hand and went skipping across the bathroom floor Noun (2)
the skip's barking orders again
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The other half, the loan, must be handled through the lender, and that step is the one people most often skip and later regret the most. —
Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Notably, Wonder Woman and Batman are missing from this lineup, and the show skips a few Flashes ahead through Bart's inclusion ahead of his grandfather, Barry, and cousin Wally West. —Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 13 May 2026
Why book For its unbeatable position in the heart of Marais; a hop and a skip from the city’s most charismatic boutiques, stylish restaurants, and artisan coffee. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The remarkable iron shot from the right side of the fairway with two skips into the hole — his final hole of the 2026 RBC Heritage — assured him a tie for eighth place and massive $550,000 payday. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skip
Word History
Etymology
Verb (1)
Middle English skippen, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect skopa to hop
Noun (2)
short for skipper entry 2
First Known Use
Verb (1)
13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Noun (1)
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun (2)
1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (2)
1900, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of skip was in the 13th century
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Skip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skip. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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