skill

play

verb \ˈskil\

Definition of skill

archaic

intransitive verb
: 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

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

skill

noun

Definition of skill

1 obsolete : cause, reason
2a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performanceb : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3 : a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability language skills

skill–less

skilless

play \ˈskil-ləs\ adjective

skill–lessness

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

Cardiac rehab programs include stress management and teach relaxation techniques and coping skills similar to those used in some types of depression therapy.

— liz szabo, Kaiser Health News, "Depression Among Heart Attack Survivors Can Be Deadly, Yet Is Often Ignored," 20 July 2017
Their flirtations fill the time between the incredible acts of skill, beauty and balance that Cirque is known for.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Jumping, juggling bugs captivate children at 'Ovo'," 14 July 2017
Test out your circus skills on trampolines and tumbling mats after class.

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017
The camp is designed for boys and girls, ages 6-18, and will cover a variety of skills, film sessions and more.

— staff reports, Glendale News-Press, "Sports Briefs: UFC shot a possibility for "Fearless" Fighter," 14 July 2017
Losing Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator is a blow, but with quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Bo Scarbrough and wide receiver Calvin Ridley there’s plenty of talent at the skill spots.

— tod palmer, kansascity, "SEC media poll: Alabama picked to win again, Mizzou pegged last in division," 14 July 2017
Growing up, Page Ives Lemel spent one week of every summer using her arts and crafts skills to make a gift for a fellow camper at North Carolina's Keystone Camp.

— maria carter, Country Living, "How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July," 13 July 2017
In six regions across Ethiopia, students in 50 schools have started attending after-school clubs focused on menstrual hygiene management, as well as communication skills and leadership.

— abigail jones, MSNBC Newsweek, "The Period Movement: Meet the Men Fighting to Stop Menstruation-Shaming in the Developing World," 12 July 2017
Their navigation skills are also remarkable for creatures of their size.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "How Ants Build Teeming Towers Through Emergent Engineering," 12 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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 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

play

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.