What does "skimmer" mean?
A device that skims.; A sieve-like, slotted spoon.
Skimmer
noun, verb
noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A device that skims.; A sieve-like, slotted spoon.
- Grammar: skimmer is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: boater, leghorn, panama, panama hat.
- Usage evidence: I skimmed the simmering soup with a skimmer.
How to use "skimmer"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "skimmer" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "skimmer" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "skimmer" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "skimmer" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "skimmer" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "boater" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "skimmer", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A device that skims.; A sieve-like, slotted spoon.
- 2 gull-like seabird that flies along the surface of the water with an elongated lower mandible immersed to skim out food wordnet
- 3 A device that skims.; A device for removing organic matter from an aquarium.
- 4 a stiff hat made of straw with a flat crown wordnet
- 5 A device that skims.; A device used to read and record the magnetic code from a credit card for later fraudulent use.
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 a cooking utensil used to skim fat from the surface of liquids wordnet
- 7 A person who skims.
"Perhaps the greatest stone skimmer is Scotland's own Dougie Isaacs, who has won eight world titles."
- 8 a rapid superficial reader wordnet
- 9 Any of three species of bird, in the genus Rynchops of the family Laridae, that feed by skimming the surface of water bodies with their bills in flight.
- 10 Any of several large bivalve shells, sometimes used for skimming milk, such as the sea clam (Spisula solidissima) and large scallops.
- 11 A ballet flat shoe.
- 12 A loose-fitting one-piece dress, similar to a shift but with slightly more fitting.
"Classic, box-pleated skimmers and pantdresses stay crisp and fresh, won't wrinkle or wilt!"
- 13 Any of the dragonflies in the family Libellulidae.
- 14 A sailor in the surface forces, as opposed to a submariner.
- 15 A surface ship.
- 16 A small, fast-moving spacecraft.
"Kondric stood beside the skimmer for a moment, looking back at his warriors. They shouted and banged their swords on their shields. He raised his hand in farewell, and followed Violet into the cabin."
- 17 Synonym of water strider.
Verb
- 1 To shimmer.
- 2 To move quickly, to flutter.
"…he was bounding over the heads of the maidens, and making his feet skimmer against the ceiling, enjoying, the while, the most ecstatic emotions."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I skimmed the simmering soup with a skimmer."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "skimmer"?
Common synonyms include: boater, leghorn, panama, panama hat, sailor, scissorbill.
How do you use "skimmer" in a sentence?
I skimmed the simmering soup with a skimmer.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From skim + -er.
Etymology 2
Northern variant of shimmer.