Definition of skittish
1a : lively or frisky in action : capriciousb : variable, fluctuating
2 : easily frightened : restive a skittish horse
3a : coy, bashfulb : marked by extreme caution : wary skittish investors
skittishly
adverbskittishness
nounExplore M-W
Examples of skittish in a Sentence
We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage.
the skittish colt leapt up when we approached
Recent Examples of skittish from the Web
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Moderates were always skittish about the drastic Medicaid cuts opposed by many of their governors.
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Moderates were always skittish about the drastic Medicaid cuts opposed by many of their governors.
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Moderates were always skittish about the drastic Medicaid cuts opposed by many of their governors.
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Moderates were always skittish about the drastic Medicaid cuts opposed by many of their governors.
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If your dog is skittish like mine, consider boarding her for the day or night.
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Manager Buck Showalter seems skittish to go to his bullpen.
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But Detroit paid pension holders before bondholders, and Mackey said that since then investors have been skittish about trusting general obligation bonds.
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My horse clearly didn't share my enjoyment, becoming increasingly skittish.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skittish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of skittish
Middle English, from skit- (probably from Old Norse skyt-) + -ish
SKITTISH Defined for English Language Learners
skittish
playDefinition of skittish for English Language Learners
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of an animal : easily frightened or excited
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: nervous or fearful about doing something
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: tending to change often : not dependable or stable
SKITTISH Defined for Kids
skittish
playDefinition of skittish for Students
: easily frightened a skittish horse
Learn More about skittish
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See words that rhyme with skittish Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skittish Spanish Central: Translation of skittish Nglish: Translation of skittish for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of skittish for Arabic speakers
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