Definition of skirmish
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2a
: a brisk preliminary verbal conflict
b
: a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties
the debate touched off a skirmish
skirmish
verb
skirmished; skirmishing; skirmishes
Definition of skirmish (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share skirmish
Time Traveler for skirmish
The first known use of skirmish was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century