skew

1 of 3

verb

ˈskyü 

skewed; skewing; skews

intransitive verb

1

: to take an oblique course

2

: to look askance

transitive verb

1

: to make, set, or cut on the skew

2

: to distort especially from a true value or symmetrical form

skew

2 of 3

adjective

1

: set, placed, or running obliquely : slanting

2

: more developed on one side or in one direction than another : not symmetrical

skew

3 of 3

noun

: a deviation from a straight line : slant

Examples of skew in a Sentence

Verb

They were accused of skewing the facts to fit their theory.

He accused them of skewing the rules in their favor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Following Jonas’s post, crowds at Whiskey Myers concerts have skewed younger. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2026

The youth-skewing network is the highest-profile casualty of the BBC‘s massive cost-cutting operation. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Noun

Holmes said Disney+ viewing skews younger than public service broadcasters like Channel 4, adding that around 40% of Disney+ viewing over the past year has come from 16-34 year olds. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026

While the community college population skews young, 40 percent of Quick Start participants are aged 30 to 49, suggesting that the program is attracting people who want to switch careers, Palmer says. — Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to escape, run obliquely, from Anglo-French *eskiuer, eschiver to escape, avoid — more at eschew

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1688, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skew

• skew curve
• skew distribution
• skew lines
• skew-whiff

Rhymes for skew

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

skew

verb

ˈskyü

1

: to take a slanting course : move or turn aside : swerve

2

: to distort from a true value or symmetrical form

skewed the facts to fit their theory