skill

noun \ ˈskil \

|Updated on: 20 Aug 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

The new area will also be open to previous students who have completed the course, providing them with the opportunity to practice and perfect their skills before hitting the road.

— adriana ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Oconomowoc Harley-Davidson continues construction on in-house training course," 13 July 2018
Some of my friends leveraged their creative skills by selling sketches and photos.

— jim ross, WSJ, "A Butler Will Serve You Right," 13 July 2018
Seals are known for their impressive diving skills, with some species torpedoing down to depths of 2,000 feet even in sub-zero temperatures.

— kasha patel, Smithsonian, "How Data-Gathering Seals Help Scientists Measure the Melting Antarctic," 13 July 2018
Learn how to improve your speaking and leadership skills with our energetic, talented, and diverse members.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Coral Springs area events July 18-28," 13 July 2018
Pedestrians cruising the streets of downtown Naperville now have a convenient place to hone their hopscotching skills.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Sidewalk hopscotch adds a little fun to downtown Naperville, officials say," 12 July 2018
In comparison to the thunderous sounds of the numerous instruments mastered by her, this wonderfully simple track allows for no distractions from her powerful vocal skills.

— rita thompson, Billboard, "Tash Sultana Shows A More Vulnerable Side With 'Harvest Love': Exclusive Premiere," 12 July 2018
However, Oliver needs to hone in his skills to make an NBA roster.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Cameron Oliver's summer league play with Sixers is turning heads," 12 July 2018
Lee’s been decorating cakes ever since and was able to get jobs at grocery store bakeries with her skills.

— leah asmelash, charlotteobserver, "How one woman wants to help foster care youth, and it involves cake," 12 July 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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up skill? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

skill

Definition of skill

skill-less

skill-lessness

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Recent Examples of skill from the Web

Origin and Etymology of skill

skill Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of skill

skill

Definition of skill

Recent Examples of skill from the Web

Origin and Etymology of skill

Phrases Related to SKILL

Related Phrases

SKILL Defined for English Language Learners

skill

Definition of skill for English Language Learners

SKILL Defined for Kids

skill

Definition of skill for Students

Learn More about skill

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

A Deep Dive on 'Deep Dive'

10 Words for the Elitists in Your Life

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

Trending: Brennan: Trump's Claims are 'Hogwash'

Ghost Word