1
: one of a group of objects (such as planks or logs) used to support or elevate a structure or object
2
: a wooden fender hung over a ship's side to protect it in handling cargo
3
: a usually iron shoe or clog attached to a chain and placed under a wheel to prevent its turning when descending a steep hill : drag
4
: a timber, bar, rail, pole, or log used in pairs or sets to form a slideway (as for an incline from a truck to the sidewalk)
6
: either of two longitudinal pieces used as part of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter
—usually plural
the skids of a helicopter
7
a
skids plural
: a route to defeat or downfall
on the skids
his career hit the skids
b
: a losing streak
a 5-game skid
8
: a low platform mounted (as on wheels) on which material is set for handling and moving
also
: pallet sense 1
skidded; skidding
1
: to apply a brake or skid to : slow or halt by a skid
2
a
: to haul (logs or something similar) by dragging
cutting and skidding firewood
b
: to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids
1
: to slide without rotating (as a wheel does when it is held from turning while a vehicle moves onward)
2
3
: to fall rapidly, steeply, or far
sales skidded last year
Examples of skid in a Sentence
Noun
The car hit a patch of ice and went into a skid.
This victory ends a five-game skid.
Verb
The truck skidded on the icy road.
The car skidded off the road and into the gully.
He slammed on the brakes, and the car skidded to a halt.
I skidded on the ice and fell.
Recent Examples on the Web
Greg Allen, NPR, 9 July 2025
This recently buried 10-game skid, however, included the worst offensive showing, by far, of any of the double-digit funks.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
At times, the testimony skidded toward animosity, exasperation and anger over the 205-bed shelter at 4306 W. State St., at a former Salvation Army location that abuts homes in the Veterans Park neighborhood.
—Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skid
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Noun
Some will examine debris piles as they're dismantled by excavators and skid steers.
—Greg Allen, NPR, 9 July 2025
This recently buried 10-game skid, however, included the worst offensive showing, by far, of any of the double-digit funks.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Verb
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control
Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
—Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
At times, the testimony skidded toward animosity, exasperation and anger over the 205-bed shelter at 4306 W. State St., at a former Salvation Army location that abuts homes in the Veterans Park neighborhood.
—Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for skid
Cite this Entry
“Skid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skid. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
skid
1 of 2 noun1
: a log or plank for supporting something (as above the ground)
2
: one of the logs, planks, or rails along or on which something heavy is rolled or slid
3
: a device placed under a carriage wheel to prevent its turning
4
: a runner used as part of the landing gear of an airplane or helicopter
5
: the act of skidding : slide
skid
2 of 2 verb
skidded; skidding
1
: to haul along, slide, hoist, or store on skids
2
: to slide without rotating
the wheels skidded
3
: to fail to grip the roadway
especially
: to slip sideways on the road
the car skidded on an icy road
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