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
According to a new study published in the journal Hypertension, chronically skimping on sleep can have real health implications, including high blood pressure (hypertension). Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Whip and add the topping before serving and don't skimp on the toasted coconut. Get the Recipe 51 of 54 Bean Pie Hear us out. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2023 Getty | Bobby Bank Nonprofit hospitals are under increasing scrutiny for skimping on charity care, relentlessly pursuing payments from low-income patients, and paying executives massive multi-million-dollar salaries—all while earning tax breaks totaling billions. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2023 The Dyson air purifier, fan, and heater has triple functionality that shoppers love, and this mini Keurig boasts a compact design that doesn’t skimp on features. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 12 Oct. 2023 The retailer sources high-quality tiles and designs with the intention of offering clients quality and innovation without skimping on practicality. Kaitlyn McInnis, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2023 Living in a studio apartment doesn't have to mean skimping on style. Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 31 Aug. 2023 But don’t skimp on this crucial camping purchase, Cheley-Klebe says. Mandy Harris, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2023 Go for turbinado: Don't skimp on the turbinado sugar; the crunchy topping adds great texture. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2023 See More

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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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