skill

noun

\ˈskil

Definition of skill

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance

b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks

2 : a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability language skills

3 obsolete : cause, reason

skill

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

Definition of skill (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

archaic

: to make a difference : matter, avail

Other Words from skill Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about skill

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Choose the Right Synonym for skill

Noun

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power. the art of choosing the right word skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency. the skill of a glassblower cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing. a mystery plotted with great cunning artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature. believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice craft may imply expertness in workmanship. the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Noun

Poker is a game of luck and skill. The work is difficult and requires a lot of skill. Cooking is a useful skill. He has excellent social skills.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Exercises like these build active listening and empathy skills, when students see an issue from five different points of view. — The Seattle Times, "Leadership coaching for organizational success," 14 Nov. 2018 Indeed, Microsoft is leaning its efforts heavily into enterprise, recently releasing a platform that lets companies build their own workplace skills with Cortana. — Rani Molla, Recode, "Voice tech like Alexa and Siri hasn’t found its true calling yet: Inside the voice assistant ‘revolution’," 12 Nov. 2018 To say that many of the Ru Paul's Drag Race contestants who've sashayed into our hearts have mindblowing makeup skills would be putting it mildly. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Miss Fame of Drag Race Launched a Makeup Collection With Five Must-Have Lipsticks," 30 Sep. 2018 Harry is seen looking back at his wife, most likely to check and see who actually has the skills. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Flirted Adorably During the Coach Core Awards," 24 Sep. 2018 Go to a field office, volunteer, build your skills, become a field director! — Katie Turner, Teen Vogue, "Being a Field Director, Explained," 20 July 2018 These kids may not have job skills or parental support. — Leah Asmelash, charlotteobserver, "How one woman wants to help foster care youth, and it involves cake," 12 July 2018 However, the Romans would have had the skills to hunt right and gray whales, which hug the coast. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Romans May Have Hunted Whales to Extinction in Their Home Waters," 11 July 2018 Who knew the software engineer from San Francisco had such skills? — Becca Kufrin, PEOPLE.com, "Bachelorette Becca Kufrin on That 'Embarrassing' Group Date — and Falling for One 'Standup Man'," 9 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On July 29, a youth skills camp, free of charge for boys and girls, will take place at the Keney Woodland Basketball Courts in Keney Park in Hartford. — Mike Anthony, courant.com, "Celebrating Hartford's Rich Basketball History In July," 31 May 2017 Better options for a ramp-down business would include services that leverage expertise or skills the entrepreneur is already known for. — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, "Working Strategies: Business startup as career ramp-down," 13 May 2017 Instruction focuses on what is interesting and meaningful to each child, layering necessary skilling on top, with six classes divided into age groups. — Nadine Jolie Courtney, Town & Country, "These Preschools Are the Ivy League of Early Education," 11 Oct. 2016 Occasionally you are made to feel adrift in narrative Siberia, left to dream about condensation and editing, about the knife skills an oral historian should have in her kit. — Dwight Garner, New York Times, "Svetlana Alexievich, Nobel Laureate of Russian Misery, Has an English-Language Milestone MAY 20, 2016," 24 May 2016 There are also medical engineers skilled in the use of advanced diagnostic equipment, and hydro-engineers to stave off the flooding. — David Hiser, National Geographic, "Bringing the Ghostly City of Pompeii Back to Life," 8 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.