What does "skulker" mean?
Agent noun of skulk; one who skulks.; One who stays where they cannot be seen (often in a cowardly way or with the intent of doing harm).
Skulker
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Agent noun of skulk; one who skulks.; One who stays where they cannot be seen (often in a cowardly way or with the intent of doing harm).
- Grammar: skulker is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: lurker, clock watcher, dodger, goldbrick.
- Useful contrasts: diligent worker, hard worker, open participant.
- Usage evidence: 1894, William Taylor Adams (as Oliver Optic), Brother Against Brother, or The War on the Border, Boston: Lee and Shepard, Chapter 22, p. 274, Our men, from their position, can’t see these skulkers, who will have a good chance to pick off some of them at their leisure.
How to use "skulker"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "skulker" 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 "skulker" 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 "skulker" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "skulker" 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 "skulker" is acting as noun 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 "lurker" 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 "skulker", 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 Agent noun of skulk; one who skulks.; One who stays where they cannot be seen (often in a cowardly way or with the intent of doing harm).
"1894, William Taylor Adams (as Oliver Optic), Brother Against Brother, or The War on the Border, Boston: Lee and Shepard, Chapter 22, p. 274, Our men, from their position, can’t see these skulkers, who will have a good chance to pick off some of them at their leisure."
- 2 someone waiting in concealment wordnet
- 3 Agent noun of skulk; one who skulks.; One who moves in a stealthy or furtive way; one who comes or goes while trying to avoid detection.
"Afterwards he was again taken by Ethiopian Skulkers, and carry’d away into the Maritime Parts of Ethiopia."
- 4 someone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacity wordnet
- 5 Agent noun of skulk; one who skulks.; One who avoids an obligation or responsibility.
"When we appeared upon deck, the captain bid the doctor, who stood bowing at his right hand, look at these lazy, lubberly sons of bitches, who were good for nothing on board, but to eat the king’s provision, and encourage idleness in the skulkers."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
diligent workerhard workeropen participantupstanding citizen
Example
"1894, William Taylor Adams (as Oliver Optic), Brother Against Brother, or The War on the Border, Boston: Lee and Shepard, Chapter 22, p. 274, Our men, from their position, can’t see these skulkers, who will have a good chance to pick off some of them at their leisure."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "skulker"?
Common synonyms include: lurker, clock watcher, dodger, goldbrick, lurcher, malingerer.
How do you use "skulker" in a sentence?
1894, William Taylor Adams (as Oliver Optic), Brother Against Brother, or The War on the Border, Boston: Lee and Shepard, Chapter 22, p. 274, Our men, from their position, can’t see these skulkers, who will have a good chance to pick off some of them at their leisure.
Etymology
From skulk + -er.