skiff

[ skif ]

noun

1. any of various types of boats small enough for sailing or rowing by one person.

skiff

/ skɪf /

noun

1. any of various small boats propelled by oars, sail, or motor

Other Words From

• skiffless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skiff¹

1565–75; < early Italian schifo < Old High German scif ship ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of skiff¹

C18: from French esquif, from Old Italian schifo a boat, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German schif ship

Example Sentences

The first sailing medals of the Games will be awarded in the skiff class.

From BBC

The frigate seized the pirates given “the unsafe condition of their skiff” and said that some had “injuries of varied severity.”

From Seattle Times

They also had recovered their skiff, which sustained damage that rendered it non-functional, and said they needed help getting back to Polowat.

From BBC

Federal regulations require construction companies to keep such boats, commonly known as skiffs, on hand whenever crews are working over waterways, safety experts told The Associated Press.

From Seattle Times

Most fishing ships do not carry skiffs, which are small boats with outboard motors that enable crew transfers by traversing the water between bigger vessels.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• canoe
• dinghy
• rowboat