skipper

[ skip-er ]

/ ˈskɪp ər /

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See synonyms for: skipper / skippered / skippering on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

a captain or leader, as of a team.

verb (used with object)

to act as skipper of.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of skipper

1350–1400; Middle English <Middle Dutch schipper, equivalent to schipship¹ + -er-er¹

Words nearby skipper

skiplane, skip off, ski pole, skip out, skippable, skipper, skippering, skippet, skipping, skipping-rope, skip straight

Other definitions for skipper (2 of 2)

skipper²

[ skip-er ]

/ ˈskɪp ər /

noun

a person or thing that skips.

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

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

saury (def. 1).

Origin of skipper

1200–50; Middle English: locust. See skip¹, -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use skipper in a sentence

RIPL, a Rhode Island technology nonprofit that’s involved in the effort, also provides career coaching in the form of Skipper, its artificial intelligence-driven bot, which helps individuals prepare for the job openings they’ve been matched with.
The governors of Rhode Island and Maryland are from different parties—but agree on these two things|Brett Haensel|October 26, 2020|Fortune
“We always say addiction is an equal opportunity affliction,” Skipper said.
Busted for Heroin: When Pilots Fly High|Caitlin Dickson|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The minute they blow, you can call the airline and pull them off flight status,” Skipper said.
Busted for Heroin: When Pilots Fly High|Caitlin Dickson|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After 48 hours at the helm, the skipper knew he needed to rest, so Lennon would have to steer for a while.
How John Lennon Rediscovered His Music in Bermuda|The Telegraph|November 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Scott carried on as skipper of the station, with its 10-hour work days, while assuming the added duty of concerned brother.
Scott Kelly: Gabrielle Giffords' Brother-in-Law in Space|Peter J. Boyer|February 18, 2011|DAILY BEAST
We do what we can when Skipper loses her lunch money, pay for college if we can, help out with the first-day-at-work suit.
'Mom, Dad—I Need $96K'|Kathleen Parker|July 10, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Kielland's third novel, "Skipper Worse," marked a distinct step in his development.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
Skipper Worse growled a little and rubbed his head, when Sivert Gesvint pressed his hand and welcomed him with effusion.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
Sarah bashfully welcomed Skipper Worse, who patted her on the head; he had known her ever since she was a small child.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
Skipper Worse could not understand what they were talking about, and he became very weary.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
In a moment Skipper Worse was wide awake, and began to hum, as she moved her fingers along the lines.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland

British Dictionary definitions for skipper (1 of 2)

skipper¹

/ (ˈskɪpə) /

noun

the captain of any vessel

the captain of an aircraft

a manager or leader, as of a sporting team

verb

to act as skipper (of)

Word Origin for skipper

C14: from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schipper shipper

British Dictionary definitions for skipper (2 of 2)

skipper²

/ (ˈskɪpə) /

noun

a person or thing that skips

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

another name for saury

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

skipper

Origin of skipper

Words nearby skipper

Other definitions for skipper (2 of 2)

Origin of skipper

Words related to skipper

How to use skipper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for skipper (1 of 2)

Word Origin for skipper

British Dictionary definitions for skipper (2 of 2)