Definition of skirmish
1 : a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2a : a brisk preliminary verbal conflictb : a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties the debate touched off a skirmish
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Examples of skirmish in a Sentence
Skirmishes broke out between rebel groups.
Violent skirmishes with the enemy continue despite talks of peace.
Origin and Etymology of skirmish
Middle English skyrmissh, alteration (influenced by Anglo-French eskermir to fence (with swords), protect, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scirmen to protect, scirm shield) of skarmuch, from Anglo-French escarmuche, from Old Italian scaramuccia — more at screen
skirmish
Definition of skirmish
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in a skirmish
2 : to search about (as for supplies) : scout around
skirmisher
nounExamples of skirmish in a Sentence
Rebel groups are skirmishing with military forces.
The presidential candidates skirmished over their economic plans.
First Known Use of skirmish
14th century
SKIRMISH Defined for English Language Learners
skirmish
playDefinition of skirmish for English Language Learners
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: a brief and usually unplanned fight during a war
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: a minor or brief argument or disagreement
skirmish
Definition of skirmish for English Language Learners
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: to be involved in a skirmish
SKIRMISH Defined for Kids
Definition of skirmish for Students
1 : a minor fight in war
2 : a minor argument
Definition of skirmish for Students
skirmished
;skirmishing
: to take part in a fight or dispute
Learn More about skirmish
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skirmish Spanish Central: Translation of skirmish Nglish: Translation of skirmish for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skirmish
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