skewer

1 of 2

noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər How to pronounce skewer (audio)
ˈskyu̇r
Synonyms of skewer
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

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
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.
Noun
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes before skewering to prevent burning. Lexi Harrison, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026 Greek celebrity chef and consultant Athinagoras Kostakos offers his take on a Levantine giardineira served with skewers of many meats and mushrooms, plus cocktails, of course, including the Smoke on the Water with Creyente mezcal and torched thyme. Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
The new additions, particularly the hotheaded Mexican VP Gabriela, aren’t much more unsubtle, and the script is more successful in skewering Gen Z and workplace culture than the open goal of Gianni Infantino & Co. Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 10 June 2026 That character’s name alone — like the resurgence of Doofy — is an indication of the mirth the screenwriters take from skewering political correctness, cancel culture and social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeTo. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for skewer

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of skewer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skewer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skewer. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

skewer

1 of 2 noun
skew·​er ˈskyü-ər How to pronounce skewer (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on skewer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster