skill

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance
b
: dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
2
: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability
language skills
3
obsolete : cause, reason
skill-less adjective
or skilless
skill-lessness noun
or skillessness

skill

2 of 2

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic
: to make a difference : matter, avail
Choose the Right Synonym for skill

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised.

art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Noun Poker is a game of luck and skill. The work is difficult and requires a lot of skill. Cooking is a useful skill. He has excellent social skills.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Brown’s team called their system Cicero, and tested its skill against real players on WebDiplomacy, a popular online game server. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 Poor execution could also compromise the reliable supply of inputs needed for the transition itself, such as minerals, clean manufacturing capacity, infrastructure, land, and worker skills. Mekala Krishnan, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skill 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell

Verb

Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skill was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near skill

Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skill

noun
ˈskil
1
: ability that comes from training or practice
2
: a developed or acquired ability : accomplishment
reading skills

More from Merriam-Webster on skill

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