Skirmish meaning

skûrmĭsh

Words form:

Frequency:

A minor or preliminary conflict or dispute.

A skirmish over the rules before the debate began.

noun

The definition of a skirmish is a short argument or brief period of fighting.

When two people have a brief argument, this is an example of a skirmish.

noun

Skirmish is to get involved in a short little argument or fight.

When you get involved in a little fight, this is an example of a time when you skirmish.

verb

To engage in a minor battle or dispute.

verb

A minor battle in war, as one between small forces or between large forces avoiding direct conflict.

noun

A brief fight or encounter between small groups, usually an incident of a battle.

noun

Any slight, unimportant conflict; brush.

noun

To take part in a skirmish.

verb

(military) A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.

noun

(figuratively) By extension, any minor dispute.

noun

A type of outdoor military style game using paintball or similar weapons.

noun

To engage in a minor battle or dispute.

verb

Origin of skirmish

Middle English skirmisshe alteration (influenced by Middle English skirmisshen to brandish a weapon) of skarmush from Old French eskarmouch from Old Italian scaramuccia of Germanic origin sker-¹ in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French escarmouche (“skirmish"), from Italian scaramuccia, earlier schermugio.

From Wiktionary