skewer

1 of 2

noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

ˈskyu̇r

1

: a pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to keep it in form while roasting or to hold small pieces of meat or vegetables for broiling

2

: any of various things shaped or used like a meat skewer

skewer

2 of 2

verb

skewered; skewering; skewers

transitive verb

1

: to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer

2

: to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively

Synonyms

Verb

• gore
• harpoon
• impale
• jab
• lance
• peck
• pick
• pierce
• pink
• puncture
• run through
• spear
• spike
• spit
• stab
• stick
• transfix
• transpierce

Examples of skewer in a Sentence

Verb

let's skewer our marshmallows on these sticks and start toasting

the satirical comic strip gleefully skewers many of society's sacred cows

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Just gather small yellow potatoes, a few skewers and a sharp knife and follow the instructions to make thin spiral potatoes—the technique only requires just a few cuts and turn of a skewer. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2024

My pan-fried hake with mussels and bisque was deliciously balanced, even if somewhat upstaged by other tables' impressive skewers of seafood and sizeable mezze platters. —Julia O'Driscoll, The Week Uk, theweek, 11 June 2024

Verb

Then, on the Senate floor Friday, Cortese skewered it, warning that Santa Clara County might move to split away from MTC and that South Bay leaders would soon be launching the political campaign against the bill and the 2026 ballot measure. —Daniel Borenstein, The Mercury News, 25 May 2024

Meanwhile, Wolfhard’s is a typical Gen Z stereotype (hasn’t the vapidity of influencers been skewered enough times?). —Janey Tracey, EW.com, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skeuier

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skewer

1 of 2 noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

ˈskyu̇(-ə)r

1

: a long pin for keeping meat in form while roasting or for holding small pieces of meat and vegetables for broiling

2

: something shaped or used like a meat skewer

skewer

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer