skim

[ skim ]

verb (used with object)

, skimmed, skim·ming.

1. to take up or remove (floating matter) from the surface of a liquid, as with a spoon or ladle:

   to skim the cream from milk.

2. to clear (liquid) thus:

   to skim milk.

3. to move or glide lightly over or along (a surface, as of water):

   The sailboat skimmed the lake.

4. to throw in a smooth, gliding path over or near a surface, or so as to bounce or ricochet along a surface:

   to skim a stone across the lake.

5. to read, study, consider, treat, etc., in a superficial or cursory manner.

   Synonyms: scan

6. to cover, as a liquid, with a thin film or layer:

   Ice skimmed the lake at night.

7. to take the best or most available parts or items from:

   Bargain hunters skimmed the flea markets early in the morning.

8. to take (the best or most available parts or items) from something:

   The real bargains had been skimmed by early shoppers.

9. Metallurgy. to remove (slag, scum, or dross) from the surface of molten metal.
10. Slang. to conceal a portion of (winnings, earnings, etc.) in order to avoid paying income taxes, commissions, or the like on the actual total revenue (sometimes followed by off ):

    The casino skimmed two million a year.

11. to appropriate (credit or debit card information) electronically for illegal use:

    A hidden device can skim your account number while you’re pumping gas, paying for groceries, etc.

verb (used without object)

, skimmed, skim·ming.

1. to pass or glide lightly over or near a surface.
2. to read, study, consider, etc., something in a superficial or cursory way.

   Synonyms: glance

3. to become covered with a thin film or layer.
4. Slang. to conceal gambling or other profits so as to avoid paying taxes, etc.; practice skimming.

noun

1. an act or instance of skimming.
2. something that is skimmed off.
3. a thin layer or film formed on the surface of something, especially a liquid, as the coagulated protein material formed on boiled milk.
4. a thin layer, as of mortar.
5. Slang. the amount taken or concealed by skimming.
6. skim milk.
7. Obsolete. scum.

skim

/ skɪm /

verb

1. tr to remove floating material from the surface of (a liquid), as with a spoon

   to skim milk

2. to glide smoothly or lightly over (a surface)
3. tr to throw (something) in a path over a surface, so as to bounce or ricochet

   to skim stones over water

4. whenintr, usually foll by through to read (a book) in a superficial or cursory manner
5. to cover (a liquid) with a thin layer or (of liquid) to become coated in this way, as with ice, scum, etc

noun

1. the act or process of skimming
2. material skimmed off a liquid, esp off milk
3. the liquid left after skimming
4. any thin layer covering a surface

Other Words From

• un·skimmed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skim¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English skymen, skemen, variant of scumen “to skim,” perhaps from Old French escumer “to remove scum”; scum

Word History and Origins

Origin of skim¹

C15 skimmen, probably from scumen to skim; see scum

Example Sentences

Agencies that skipped paying employment taxes could underbid the competition, said Mr. Perez, who offered to name firms that were “underpricing and skimming.”

From New York Times

The overall tension allows us to skim over the flaws and foibles in the script, especially when the resolution is so hard-fought.

From Los Angeles Times

"We saw the first one skimming across the grass and exploding in front of us," he said.

From BBC

In trying to tell Rivers’ whole story, “Joan” winds up skimming the surface.

From Los Angeles Times

In Kazan, Vladimir Putin's task will be to skim over the differences and paint a picture of unity, while showing the Russian public – and the international community – that his country is far from isolated.

From BBC

Related Words

• browse
• flip through
• glance
• leaf through
• scan
• skip
• thumb through