skill

noun \ ˈskil \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: skill in a Sentence

Definition of skill

1 a : 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-less

or skilless play \ˈskil-ləs\ adjective

—

skill-lessness

or skillessness noun

See skill defined for English-language learners

See skill defined for kids

Examples of skill in a Sentence

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 of skill from the Web

Marshall is particularly good at math and will even do math skills practice and exercises at home for fun.

— boys & girls aid / community content partner, OregonLive.com, "A Home of His Own: Marshall, 7, has never met a train he didn't like!," 8 June 2018
Not only is Weighting Comforts supplying a quality product for those in need, the brand also provides an opportunity for refugee women to make a living using a valuable skill.

— Southern Living, "This Southern Company Combats Anxiety & Champions Refugee Women," 7 June 2018
Coping skills help reduce stress and promote good mental health.

— matthew martinez, miamiherald, "Get a shot, say goodbye to stress. Could it be that easy?," 7 June 2018
The Rebels opted to roll the dice on an elite high school coach, hoping Tony Sanchez’s skills leading Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High to six consecutive state titles would translate to the college level.

— iliana limón romero, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Much improved UNLV is No. 81 in 2018 preseason college football rankings, eyeing bowl bid," 7 June 2018
The suit contends Boal did not meet the job criteria of being able to edit and produce broadcast-ready material on his own, skills that Jackson did possess.

— matt campbell, kansascity, "KSHB faces second race discrimination suit in 2 years, this one from sports reporter," 7 June 2018
Synthesis takes about a week and requires neither heat nor skills more sophisticated than following a recipe.

— Fortune, "Deadly Chinese Fentanyl Is Creating a New Era of Drug Kingpins," 6 June 2018
But most outstanding was the performance delivered by Eaddy Kiernan, whose thespian skills rival those of her actual day job as the magazine’s Special Events Director.

— lilah ramzi, Vogue, "All the Stars Turned Out for the World Premiere of Ocean’s 8," 6 June 2018
The purpose of the lesson is to provide kids and parents exposure to life-saving water safety skills and build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim to help prevent drowning.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 5 June 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of skill

Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

skill Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of skill

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

skill

verb

Definition of skill

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic

: to make a difference : matter, avail

Recent Examples of skill from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of skill

Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

SKILL Defined for English Language Learners

skill

noun

Definition of skill for English Language Learners

: the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice

SKILL Defined for Kids

skill

noun \ ˈskil \

Definition of skill for Students

1 : ability that comes from training or practice

The band played with skill.

2 : a developed or acquired ability

The skill of diving can be learned.

Learn More about skill

See words that rhyme with skill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skill Spanish Central: Translation of skill Nglish: Translation of skill for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of skill for Arabic speakers

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skill

Definition of skill

skill-less

skill-lessness

Examples of skill in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of skill

skill Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of skill

skill

Definition of skill

Recent Examples of skill from the Web

Origin and Etymology of skill

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SKILL Defined for English Language Learners

skill

Definition of skill for English Language Learners

SKILL Defined for Kids

skill

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