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
skill-lessness
noun
or skillessness
skilled; skilling; skills
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
Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
More than two dozen states now require cursive instruction in schools after the 2010 Common Core standards omitted the skill.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
For the previous three-year cycle, UTLA won a 21% raise, with additional pay going to union members with high-demand skills, including nurses, who received an extra $20,000 bump to better compete with nursing jobs outside education.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skill
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Vucan, now in his 10th season as Carroll’s head coach and 15th overall with the program, left his home city of El Paso to test his skills in a more competitive baseball region of the state.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Except for the advantage of skill or luck, the risks of losing and the chances of winning were the same for all participants.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
More than two dozen states now require cursive instruction in schools after the 2010 Common Core standards omitted the skill.
—Ava Berger, NPR, 19 Mar. 2026
For the previous three-year cycle, UTLA won a 21% raise, with additional pay going to union members with high-demand skills, including nurses, who received an extra $20,000 bump to better compete with nursing jobs outside education.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skill
Cite this Entry
“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
