skill

1 of 2

noun

ˈskil How to pronounce skill (audio)
Synonyms of skill
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
ˈskil-ləs How to pronounce skill (audio)
skill-lessness noun
or skillessness

skill

2 of 2

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic
: to make a difference : matter, avail

Synonyms of skill

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In this series, Kristen Finch shares practical research skills to help students and educators search more effectively, evaluate sources, and build confidence using JSTOR. — JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2026 Homesteading also means practical skills like fixing fences and caring for sick animals, as well as continuing to work when things go wrong and just becoming more capable. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 But the shifts in employment wrought by AI are challenging enterprises to adapt to more dynamic teams, assessing people based on their skills rather than their place in a hierarchy, Black says. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026 This gives them hands-on experience in sustainability and circularity, as well as the kind of critical thinking and decision-making skills needed in the workplace. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skill

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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing skill

Rhymes for skill

See All Rhymes for skill

Browse Nearby Words

ski lift
skill
skilled
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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skill

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

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