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
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
The Falcons are coming off a Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but remain undefeated (3-0) at home, while the Dolphins are on a three-game losing skid after suffering a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Cal has skidded to last in the ACC in rushing yards at 94.3 per game.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skid
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025
The Falcons are coming off a Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but remain undefeated (3-0) at home, while the Dolphins are on a three-game losing skid after suffering a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Cal has skidded to last in the ACC in rushing yards at 94.3 per game.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 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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