skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈski-mər 

1

: one that skims

specifically : a flat perforated scoop or spoon used for skimming

2

: any of a small genus (Rynchops) of long-winged marine birds that have the lower mandible longer than the upper

3

: a usually straw flat-crowned hat with a wide straight brim

4

: a fitted sleeveless dress with a usually flaring skirt

5

: a device that is attached to an electronic card reader (as on an ATM) and used to obtain data (such as a credit card number) secretly and illicitly

The credit union said someone had fitted a skimmer over the ATM card slot to collect information on inserted cards but the company said it wasn't sure how many cards had been affected at this time.

—The Leader-Herald (Gloversville, NewYork)

Once you put your card in, the device, called a skimmer, reads and records all the account information stored on the magnetic strip, and even retrieves your PIN as you punch it into the keypad.

—Mary Hunt

Examples of skimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beatbot iSkim Robotic Pool Skimmer Deal Beatbot's entry-level pool skimmer is an extremely capable machine, with a large nine-liter basket to hold tons of leaves and debris. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026

Gas pump card skimmers can turn a summer road trip into a fraud headache by stealing payment card data when drivers swipe, insert, or tap at the pump. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

In February, a Baltimore man was arrested for allegedly installing card skimmers at multiple 7-Eleven locations in Maryland. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 May 2026

One surprisingly effective trick is tossing a tennis ball into your skimmer. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skimmer

• brimmer
• dimmer
• glimmer
• grimmer
• nimmer
• rimmer
• shimmer
• simmer
• slimmer
• swimmer
• timmer
• trimmer

Kids Definition

skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈskim-ər 

: one that skims

especially : a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming