askew
Americanadverb
-
to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry.
to wear one's hat askew;
to hang a picture askew.
-
with disapproval, scorn, contempt, etc.; disdainfully.
They looked askew at the painting.
adjective
adverb
Usage
Spelling tips for askew The spelling of askew shouldn’t be confused with the somewhat similar sounding word eschew. How to spell askew: Think of askew as a combination of the adjective-forming prefix a- and the verb skew (adjectives like asleep and ablaze are formed in the same way). Or pretend that someone asks you if a picture frame is askew, and that you respond really rudely: “Do you even have to ask? Ew.”
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of askew
Explanation
Although it sounds like a sneeze, the word askew means lopsided or turned and tilted to the side. Like your glasses might be after, well, a sneeze. Anything askew is crooked. The word askew probably comes from Old Norse for "on a skew," or "to turn aside." No matter how you look at it, anything askew is at an angle. If a picture is askew, you might tilt your head to look at it, and if the books on a library shelf are askew, a conscientious librarian might tidy them up.
Vocabulary lists containing askew
List 3
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chains
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With 3.3 seconds left Jordan Askew wins it for Sierra Canyon over LB Millikan 67-65.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025
Askew dropped out of the race after finishing eighth in New Hampshire.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2023
"I saw his band Askew play in Paris and their set was incredible. They're going to blow Glastonbury away."
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2023
Paul Askew, chef patron of award-winning restaurant The Art School, has created a menu that marries the country's ingredients and produce local to Liverpool.
From Reuters • May 11, 2023
“What have you got there? Let me—” “Not so fast, Wilhelmina,” Mrs. Askew snapped.
From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
