skewer

[ skyoo-er ]

noun

1. a long pin of wood or metal for inserting through meat or other food to hold or bind it in cooking.
2. any similar pin for fastening or holding an item in place.

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with or as if with a skewer.

skewer

/ ˈskjʊə /

noun

1. a long pin for holding meat in position while being cooked, etc
2. a similar pin having some other function
3. chess a tactical manoeuvre in which an attacked man is made to move and expose another man to capture

verb

1. tr to drive a skewer through or fasten with a skewer

Other Words From

• un·skewered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skewer¹

First recorded in 1670–80; earlier skiver < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of skewer¹

C17: probably from dialect skiver

Example Sentences

Marc Klaas initially supported the law but came to fear that its impact would “skewer toward young Black dudes” because of harsh punishments for crimes less serious than murder.

From Los Angeles Times

If you are not used to eyeballing this process, use a bamboo skewer or other way to measure the depth after each liquid addition.

From Salon

Be sure to try the tender, flavorful Alentejo pork and pineapple skewer with cilantro, which delivers a huge flavor punch.

From Salon

He became notably involved in the 2024 campaign, using his large social media following to skewer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the cousin of his mother.

From Los Angeles Times

The Orange County congresswoman had gone from unknown to political celebrity virtually overnight, wielding a whiteboard and marking pen to skewer lobbyists, torment chief executives and harry various corporate heavies — to the utter rapture of the online, cable-TV-consuming wing of the Democratic Party.

From Los Angeles Times