Skype

American  

[skahyp] / skaɪp /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a software application and online service that enables voice and video phone calls over the internet.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to participate in a real-time conversation with (one or more people) using Skype.

Etymology

Origin of Skype

First recorded in 2000–05; short for “Sky peer-to-peer”

Example Sentences

That was the beginning of a lot of book club visits, some in person, many virtual first via Skype and then, during and after the pandemic, via Zoom.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

But AT&T didn’t learn anything, especially when Skype went around it and enabled almost-free international calls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

WhatsApp then strangled Skype on smartphones, and the “go around and strangle” dance continues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Officials say they have blocked nearly 4,000 Skype IDs and over 83,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to the fraud.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2025

He’s the only one at the Skype meeting tonight.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti