skirmish
noun
a fight between small bodies of troops, especially advanced or outlying detachments of opposing armies.
skirmishing
-
present participleof skirmish.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the administration’s preference for a negotiated agreement with Iran despite the skirmishing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026
The Iran-backed organization has been skirmishing with Israeli forces.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 17, 2023
Black does well in the early skirmishing in this Four Knights Game, but fails to respond adequately when Kupchik opens up the play in the center.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 11, 2023
The skirmishing was not just on the battlefield.
From New York Times ● Mar. 1, 2023
There would still be weeks of skirmishing ahead with small groups of enemies still in the hills and jungle, but the battle for Guam was won.
From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac
