skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈski-mər 

1

: one that skims

specifically : a flat perforated scoop or spoon used for skimming

2

: any of a small genus (Rynchops) of long-winged marine birds that have the lower mandible longer than the upper

3

: a usually straw flat-crowned hat with a wide straight brim

4

: a fitted sleeveless dress with a usually flaring skirt

5

: a device that is attached to an electronic card reader (as on an ATM) and used to obtain data (such as a credit card number) secretly and illicitly

The credit union said someone had fitted a skimmer over the ATM card slot to collect information on inserted cards but the company said it wasn't sure how many cards had been affected at this time.

—The Leader-Herald (Gloversville, NewYork)

Once you put your card in, the device, called a skimmer, reads and records all the account information stored on the magnetic strip, and even retrieves your PIN as you punch it into the keypad.

—Mary Hunt

Examples of skimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using a slotted spoon or wire skimmer, remove and discard the large solids, then strain the stock through a chinoise or a colander lined with cheesecloth. —Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

Check for a card skimmer: Thieves often place phony PIN keypads over the original devices. —Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2025

Joyhalo Pool Skimmer Net An effective pool skimmer is a must for the summer. —Julia Fields, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

The card skimmers look like a normal part of a POS machine or PIN pad and can be easily attached in less than a minute. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skimmer

• brimmer
• dimmer
• glimmer
• grimmer
• nimmer
• rimmer
• shimmer
• simmer
• slimmer
• swimmer
• timmer
• trimmer

Kids Definition

skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈskim-ər 

: one that skims

especially : a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming