skit

American  

[skit] / skɪt /

noun

1. a short literary piece of a humorous or satirical character.

2. a short theatrical sketch or act, usually comical.

3. a gibe or taunt.

4. British Dialect. a joke or prank.

---

skit British  

/ skɪt /

noun

1. a brief satirical theatrical sketch

2. a short satirical piece of writing

3. a trick or hoax

---

Etymology

Origin of skit

First recorded in 1565–75; of obscure origin

Explanation

A skit is a funny or informative short play. It's usually more fun to perform a skit about an alien invasion than a skit about workplace safety. You might watch a skit about bullying at school, and the local theater troupe may perform skits in the park for kids. In stand-up or improvisational comedy, skits are more commonly called "sketches." Skit comes from the now-obsolete Scottish skit, "a vain, frivolous, or wanton girl," which became "a satirical remark" in English, and then "a piece of light satire."

Example Sentences

He was last seen on TV in a Traitors skit during Comic Relief.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Together they brought the trophies to the dugout from center field while riding in the back of a blue convertible driven by Ferrell as part of an elaborate video skit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Consider a skit from the “Key & Peele” show that imagined a situation in which passengers with all sorts of odd statuses gained early boarding privileges.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

Speaking to the New York Times this week, Hernández refused to take credit for the skit.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

I did not feel comfortable putting on a funny skit, so I asked Paul if he would play the piano.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Related Words

• parody
• satire
• spoof