skewer

1 of 2

noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

ˈskyu̇r

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

Synonyms

Verb

• stab
• puncture
• pierce
• stick
• jab
• pick

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

Noun

The majority of beers are from Maine breweries, including the popular Allagash in Portland, while the small plates pop around the globe (chorizo skewers, lamb lollipops, and, of course, a lobster roll). —Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

To do that, stick a wooden skewer deep into the soil. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

Long before Robert Altman’s The Player skewered 90s-era Hollywood, The Bad and the Beautiful was the industry’s great poison-pen letter to itself. —Erik Morse, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025

From the 1960s through the 2000s, no one skewered a crowd with sharper affection. —Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for skewer

• bluer
• breuer
• brewer
• couper
• ewer
• fewer
• fluor
• hewer
• newer
• sewer
• truer
• viewer

Kids Definition

skewer

1 of 2 noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

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