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.
All of this skirmishing suggests that Iran believes it has the whip hand under the MOU.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 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
However, this was only a light skirmishing manoeuvre, intended to create a little disorder, and the men easily drove the geese off with their sticks.
From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell
