First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1skirt
noun \ˈskərt\
: a piece of clothing worn by women and girls that hangs from the waist down
: the part of a dress, coat, etc., that hangs from the waist down
: an outer covering that hangs down to protect something
Full Definition of SKIRT
1
a (1) : a free-hanging part of an outer garment or undergarment extending from the waist down (2) : a separate free-hanging outer garment or undergarment usually worn by women and girls covering some or all of the body from the waist down b : either of two usually leather flaps on a saddle covering the bars on which the stirrups are hung c : a cloth facing that hangs from the bottom edge or across the front of a piece of furniture d : the lower branches of a tree when near the ground
2
a : the rim, periphery, or environs of an area b plural : outlying parts (as of a town or city)
3
: a part or attachment serving as a rim, border, or edging
4
slang : a girl or woman
— skirt·ed adjective
See skirt defined for English-language learners
See skirt defined for kids
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Origin of SKIRT
Middle English, from Old Norse skyrta shirt, kirtle — more at shirt
Related to SKIRT
2skirt
verb
: to avoid (something) especially because it is difficult or will cause problems
: to lie or go along the edge of (something)
Full Definition of SKIRT
transitive verb1
: to form or run along the border or edge of : border
2
a : to provide a skirt for b : to furnish a border or shield for
3
a : to go or pass around or about; specifically : to go around or keep away from in order to avoid danger or discovery b : to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy <skirted the issue> c : to evade or miss by a narrow margin <having skirted disaster — Edith Wharton>
intransitive verb
: to be, lie, or move along an edge or border
— skirt·er noun
See skirt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SKIRT
1602
Related to SKIRT
- Synonyms
- bypass, circumnavigate, circumvent, detour
- Antonyms
- comply (with), follow, keep, obey, observe
SKIRTED Defined for Kids
1skirt
noun \ˈskərt\
Definition of SKIRT for Kids
1
: a piece of clothing or part of a piece of clothing worn by women or girls that hangs from the waist down
2
: a part or attachment serving as a rim, border, or edging
2skirt
verb
skirt·edskirt·ing
Definition of SKIRT for Kids
1
: 2border 2
2
: to go or pass around or about the outer edge of <Using the two-bladed paddle I quickly skirted the south part of the island. — Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins>
3
: to avoid for fear of difficulty <She skirted the issue.>
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