skimp

1 of 2

adjective

: skimpy

skimp

2 of 2

verb

skimped; skimping; skimps

transitive verb

: to give insufficient or barely sufficient attention or effort to or funds for

intransitive verb

: to save by or as if by skimping

Examples of skimp in a Sentence

Verb Parents shouldn't skimp when it comes to their child's safety. we must skimp and save if we are going to afford a vacation this summer
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The caviar is often canned or frozen during the summer and fall to enjoy during the long winters—a taste of sunshine when our daylight hours are shortened to a skimp five. Irina Groushevaia, Bon Appétit, 15 July 2021 Hailing from Southeast London, this rising star is no stranger to the spotlight and her impressive acting credits both in television and film are not skimp by any means. Mia Uzzell, Essence, 22 Feb. 2021
Verb
Fashion That said, function should never offer an excuse to skimp on fashion. Calin Van Paris, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024 Over the longer term, the government skimped on investing in infrastructure such as rail networks and high-speed internet in order to balance budgets. David McHugh, Quartz, 23 Feb. 2024 Don't skimp on the decadent homemade chocolate ganache drizzle. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2024 The filmmakers don’t skimp on the violence and gore. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 24 Jan. 2024 Six Senses’ lodges have been designed following the greenest sustainability standards—without skimping on luxury. Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2024 Arden Fair mall in Sacramento just made room for a new sandwich spot — and this one doesn’t skimp on the ingredients. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 And skimping on price usually means resigning yourself to flimsy polyester. Jamie Waters, WSJ, 9 Jan. 2024 Sheet Pan Chicken or Cauliflower With Lemony Potatoes and Kalamata Olives This simple sheet pan meal does not skimp on flavor. Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skimp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

perhaps alteration of scrimp

First Known Use

Adjective

1775, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1879, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of skimp was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near skimp

Cite this Entry

“Skimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimp. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skimp

verb
ˈskimp
1
: to give not enough or barely enough attention or effort to or funds for
2
: to save by or as if by skimping : scrimp
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