skipper

¹

[ skip-er ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as skipper of.

skipper

²

[ skip-er ]

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 ( def 1 ).

skipper

¹

/ 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. See saury
   another name for saury

skipper

²

/ ˈskɪpə /

noun

1. the captain of any vessel
2. the captain of an aircraft
3. a manager or leader, as of a sporting team

verb

1. to act as skipper (of)

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of skipper¹

C14: from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schipper shipper

Example Sentences

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.

From Fortune

“We always say addiction is an equal opportunity affliction,” Skipper said.

From The Daily Beast

“The minute they blow, you can call the airline and pull them off flight status,” Skipper said.

From The Daily Beast

After 48 hours at the helm, the skipper knew he needed to rest, so Lennon would have to steer for a while.

From The Daily Beast

Scott carried on as skipper of the station, with its 10-hour work days, while assuming the added duty of concerned brother.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

Kielland's third novel, "Skipper Worse," marked a distinct step in his development.

From Project Gutenberg

Skipper Worse growled a little and rubbed his head, when Sivert Gesvint pressed his hand and welcomed him with effusion.

From Project Gutenberg

Sarah bashfully welcomed Skipper Worse, who patted her on the head; he had known her ever since she was a small child.

From Project Gutenberg

Skipper Worse could not understand what they were talking about, and he became very weary.

From Project Gutenberg

In a moment Skipper Worse was wide awake, and began to hum, as she moved her fingers along the lines.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• captain
• sea captain