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)
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
Mary HuntExamples of skimmer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Within 15 seconds or so, the tortilla should inflate, pushing your skimmer upward.
—Haneen J. Iqbal, Bon Appétit, 2 Feb. 2023
And self-checkout could pose a financial risk to customers, with reports of credit card skimmers installed in retailers' self-checkout lanes, such as at several supermarkets in Massachusetts.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024
Using a spider skimmer, transfer to the lined baking sheet.
—Clarissa Wei, Saveur, 30 Nov. 2023
Robert Taylor’s right-footed skimmer found the inside left post in the 39th minute on a perfect assist from (of course) Messi.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024
These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024
Hughes said that so far, Blue Springs police have only encountered skimmers on gas pumps.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024
The Star-Telegram reported in 2019 that three credit card skimmers were found at one gasoline station on Alta Mesa Boulevard.
—Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024
How to spot and avoid card skimmers The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2024
Haneen J. Iqbal, Bon Appétit, 2 Feb. 2023
And self-checkout could pose a financial risk to customers, with reports of credit card skimmers installed in retailers' self-checkout lanes, such as at several supermarkets in Massachusetts.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024
Using a spider skimmer, transfer to the lined baking sheet.
—Clarissa Wei, Saveur, 30 Nov. 2023
Robert Taylor’s right-footed skimmer found the inside left post in the 39th minute on a perfect assist from (of course) Messi.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024
These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024
Hughes said that so far, Blue Springs police have only encountered skimmers on gas pumps.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024
The Star-Telegram reported in 2019 that three credit card skimmers were found at one gasoline station on Alta Mesa Boulevard.
—Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024
How to spot and avoid card skimmers The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skimmer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near skimmer
Cite this Entry
“Skimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimmer. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
skimmer
noun
skim·mer
ˈskim-ər 
: one that skims
especially
: a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming
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