skipper

¹ American  

[skip-er] / ˈskɪp ər /

noun

1. the master or captain of a vessel, especially of a small trading or fishing vessel.

2. a captain or leader, as of a team.

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verb (used with object)

1. to act as skipper of.

skipper ² American  

[skip-er] / ˈskɪp ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that skips.

2. any of various insects that hop or fly with jerky motions.

3. any of numerous quick-flying, lepidopterous insects of the family Hesperiidae, closely related to the true butterflies.

4. saury.

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skipper ¹ British  

/ ˈskɪpə /

noun

1. the captain of any vessel

2. the captain of an aircraft

3. a manager or leader, as of a sporting team

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verb

1. to act as skipper (of)

skipper ² British  

/ ˈskɪpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that skips

2. any small butterfly of the family Hesperiidae, having a hairy mothlike body and erratic darting flight

3. another name for saury

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Etymology

Origin of skipper¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle Dutch schipper, equivalent to schip ship ¹ + -er -er ¹

Origin of skipper²

1200–50; Middle English: locust. See skip ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

It was skipper McGinn who called on the squad to finish the job against Lille and follow boss Unai Emery's lead.

From BBC

In their programme notes, both Slot and skipper Virgil van Dijk made a point of emphasising the atmosphere and the manager's added energy on the touchline was noticeable.

From BBC

England's only win of the Six Nations came as George resumed starting skipper duties against Wales.

From BBC

Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row after his third term as European skipper was confirmed for next year's edition in Ireland.

From BBC

Dropped on eight by Blessing Muzarabani, the India skipper thrashed 33 from 13 deliveries.

From BBC

Related Words

• captain
• sea captain