skimming

[ skim-ing ]

noun

1. Usually skimmings. floating matter that is removed from the surface of a liquid.
2. skimmings, Metallurgy. dross.
3. Slang. the practice of concealing gambling or other profits so as to avoid paying taxes, commissions, etc.:

   An audit of their cleaning business uncovered several years of skimming.

4. the practice of electronically appropriating account numbers or other confidential data for illegal use:

   A chip is embedded in the credit card to prevent skimming.

Word History and Origins

Origin of skimming¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English skemmyng; skim, -ing ¹

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

"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

After skimming the inner edge of the main asteroid belt, Lucy heads back toward Earth for a gravity assist in December 2024.

From Science Daily

Kevin Walker was skimming through social media while sitting in his office.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bribery
• crime
• exploitation
• extortion
• fraud
• graft
• malfeasance
• nepotism