skipper

1 of 3

noun (1)

skip·​per ˈski-pər 

1

: any of various erratically active insects (such as a click beetle or a water strider)

2

: one that skips

3

: saury

4

: any of a superfamily (Hesperioidea, especially family Hesperiidae) of lepidopterous insects that visibly differ from the typical butterflies especially in having stout bodies, smaller wings, and usually hooked antennae

skipper

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: the master of a ship

especially : the master of a fishing, small trading, or pleasure boat

2

: the captain or first pilot of an airplane

3

: a person in a position of leadership

especially : a baseball team's manager

skipper

3 of 3

verb

skip·​per

skippered; skippering ˈski-p(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to act as skipper of (a boat or ship)

2

: to act as the principal coach or manager of

skipper a team

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• captain
• commander
• skip

Examples of skipper in a Sentence

Verb

The boat was skippered by a skilled veteran sailor.

He skippered the team to their latest World Series win.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Individual packages on what are known as head boats include a skipper and mate, training, and lunch when racing. —Helen Iatrou, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2023

Half a dozen years later, and Zsolt is one of five skippers who competed for the Alaska Cup this weekend in Seward. —Chris Bieri, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Aug. 2023

In the Orioles’ 10-3 victory over New York on Friday night at Camden Yards, McCann tied his career high with five RBIs, stealing the spotlight from longtime Baltimore manager Buck Showalter’s return to Camden Yards as the Mets’ skipper. —Nathan Ruiz, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2023

The skipper’s role is paramount, tracking the tides, understanding the back eddies and preparing for changes in wind. —Kayla J. Dunn, oregonlive, 2 Aug. 2023

Some of the barge skippers cranked up their auxiliary diesels to hurry to the starting line, four miles downriver. —William Booth, Washington Post, 24 July 2023

The shipwreck is currently being investigated by Iocal authorities while the boat’s skipper is being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 June 2023

Laureano grew up watching the Yankees vs. Boston rivalry when Francona managed the Red Sox and admired the skipper from afar. —Joe Noga, cleveland, 8 Aug. 2023

These Superga platforms are a stylish take on the classic, simple skippers. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2023

Verb

Gary Fung, skippering the Maniac and Zsolt in the Wild Thing rounded out the top three. —Chris Bieri, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Aug. 2023

With the rise of more accessible peer-to-peer boat rental platforms, marine adventures in the most popular coastal destinations around the world are now at your fingertips, whether that’s a couple of hours on a kayak or a full-day skippered yacht experience. —Chrissie McClatchie, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2023

For Johnson, who skippered the Tigers to a title in his second season in Baton Rouge, the day ‒ and opportunity to join the broadcast − is the nexus of his occupation. —Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 7 July 2023

We are particularly inspired by the party boat search: Results range from classic Riva runarounds in the Hamptons to skippered luxury wake surf boats in Lake Powell, Arizona. —Chrissie McClatchie, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2023

In Croatia, on the other hand, skippering a motorboat of any size is not allowed at all. —Chrissie McClatchie, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 June 2023

In one of its many marinas, Irmak Yüksel and her family offer bareboat and skippered charters. —Feride Yalav-Heckeroth, CNN, 18 Mar. 2023

Tigers update Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire retired Saturday because of health concerns, and coach Lloyd McClendon will skipper out the season. —Star Tribune, 21 Sep. 2020

The similarities between Buck Showalter and his predecessors were promptly noted Dec. 18, when Showalter was named the manager of the Mets and joined a select club by becoming the fifth man to skipper both current New York baseball teams. —Jerry Beach, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch schipper, from schip ship; akin to Old English scip ship — more at ship

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skipper

1 of 2 noun

skip·​per ˈskip-ər 

1

: one that skips

2

: any of various insects that differ from the related butterflies especially in having stout bodies, smaller wings, and usually antennae with curved ends

skipper

2 of 2 noun

: the master of a ship

especially : the master of a fishing, small trading, or pleasure boat

Etymology

Noun

skip (verb) and -er (noun suffix)

Noun

Middle English skipper "the master of a ship," from early Dutch schipper (same meaning), from schip "ship"