skewer

American  

[skyoo-er] / ˈskyu ər /

noun

1. a long pin of wood or metal for inserting through meat or other food to hold or bind it in cooking.

2. any similar pin for fastening or holding an item in place.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with or as if with a skewer.

skewer British  

/ ˈskjʊə /

noun

1. a long pin for holding meat in position while being cooked, etc

2. a similar pin having some other function

3. chess a tactical manoeuvre in which an attacked man is made to move and expose another man to capture

---

verb

1. (tr) to drive a skewer through or fasten with a skewer

Other Word Forms

• unskewered adjective

Etymology

Origin of skewer

First recorded in 1670–80; earlier skiver < ?

Example Sentences

This is Amis at his nastiest and best, skewering a world he knew intimately.

From The Wall Street Journal

Eels, called "unagi" in Japan, have been consumed there for millennia and are now typically grilled on skewers and dipped in a soy and rice wine sauce.

From Barron's

It’s the culture that’s skewered rather than those who adopt its perverted values.

From Los Angeles Times

We begin with a gilda, a tiny skewer of anchovy, olive, pickled pepper and a platter of cured meats and cheeses.

From Salon

I spend time there with my family, and everything comes to you on the beach—fresh juices, caipirinhas, grilled cheese skewers, even cooked corn.

From The Wall Street Journal