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

Last week, one of the state's skimmer response teams conducted a sweep of two dozen stores in Philadelphia and removed skimming devices containing user information for more than 3,000 EBT accounts, according to a state spokesperson. — Liz Crawford, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

One of the most unsettling parts of the investigation is how quickly criminals can install a skimmer. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Tap the picture to open a screen showing a larger version of the skimmer, its current status (cleaning, charging, or standby), battery life, and cleaning time. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

Only about 6,800 skimmers nest in the state, with roughly 10% of that population in Pinellas County. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

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