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

Traditional robotic cleaners typically ignore this layer, leaving owners to remove debris manually with skimmer nets. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026

Writers accommodated the skimmer. —Big Think, 11 Mar. 2026

The case is also lined with RFID-blocking material that prevents skimmers from stealing your credit card information. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

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

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