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

The camp is designed to familiarize kids of all ages and skill levels with golf. — cleveland.com, "Avon’s Heritage Gazebo celebrates 20 years as center landmark: Short Takes on Avon, Avon Lake, and North Ridgeville," 5 July 2019 Many of the men involved in wrestling have said that the women have degraded the skill level of the sport. — Nell Haynes, The Conversation, "How indigenous women revolutionized Bolivian wrestling," 5 July 2019 The app catalogues over 75,000 trails across the United States and Canada, with handy filters to search trails by skill level, accessibility, or dog-friendliness. — Arielle Pardes, WIRED, "These Apps Will Keep You From Getting Lost in the Outdoors," 3 July 2019 Must register for this moderate skill level program. 10 a.m. Monday, Lake Forest Library, 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, free, 847-234-0636. — chicagotribune.com, "Calendar: 3-D fireworks painting Monday in Lake Forest," 30 June 2019 The tournament allowed the college coaches to evaluate the skill levels of the players in a game setting. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "College volleyball hopefuls keeping dream alive at BeachDig Showcase," 27 June 2019 The turquoise Havasupai falls attract hikers of all skill levels, from the hardcore backpacker to the person who thinks it’s camping if the hotel TV gets fewer than 20 channels. — Scott Craven, azcentral, "Hiking to Havasupai: How far is it, what's Mooney Falls like and everything you need to know," 24 June 2019 The new sports facility will serve athletes regardless of age or skill level. — Kara Carlson, Dallas News, "New $10M sports medicine center in Allen brings together injury prevention, treatment and training," 18 June 2019 The runner shared a video on Twitter after a recent Parkrun, a noncompetitive 5K run held across the U.K. for runners of all skill levels. — Melissa Locker, Time, "One-Woman Encouragement Machine Olympian Redefines Victory Lap By Running Backwards to High-Five Everyone in the Race," 17 June 2019

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.