skiff

noun

ˈskif How to pronounce skiff (audio)
Synonyms of skiffnext
: any of various small boats
especially : a flat-bottomed rowboat

Examples of skiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another could see guests hiking to a glacial lake or going for a skiff tour among icebergs. — Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2026 The three male crabs are hauled into our polar skiff; the last goes back into the sea to produce the next generation. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2026 The same skiffs also take you to nearby lakes for a spot of swimming or piranha fishing; and on visits to remote villages. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026 Bezos has a 417-foot skiff called Koru that reportedly cost more than $500 million. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skiff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English skif, from Middle French or Old Italian; Middle French esquif, from Old Italian schifo, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English scip ship

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skiff was in the 15th century

Rhymes for skiff

See All Rhymes for skiff

Browse Nearby Words

skiey
skiff
skiffle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skiff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skiff

noun
ˈskif How to pronounce skiff (audio)
: any of various small boats
especially : a flat-bottomed rowboat

More from Merriam-Webster on skiff

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skiff

Nglish: Translation of skiff for Spanish Speakers

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