skein

verb

skeined; skeining; skeins

transitive verb

: to wind into skeins
skein yarn

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skein was circa 1775

Rhymes for skein

See All Rhymes for skein

Browse Nearby Words

skeily
skein
skeiner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skein. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skein

noun
ˈskān
: a looped length of yarn or thread put up in a loose twist after it is taken from the reel

More from Merriam-Webster on skein

Nglish: Translation of skein for Spanish Speakers

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