First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1skill
intransitive verb \ˈskil\
Definition of SKILL
archaicADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SKILL
Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction
2skill
noun
: the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice
Full Definition of SKILL
2
a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
3
: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability <language skills>
— skill–less or skil·less \ˈskil-ləs\ adjective
— skill–less·ness or skil·less·ness noun
See skill defined for English-language learners
See skill defined for kids
Origin of SKILL
Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to SKILL
- Synonyms
- adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skillfulness
- Antonyms
- artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness
Synonym Discussion of SKILL
art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power <the art of choosing the right word>. skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency <the skill of a glassblower>. cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing <a mystery plotted with great cunning>. artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature <believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice>. craft may imply expertness in workmanship <the craft of a master goldsmith>.
SKILLS Defined for Kids
skill
noun \ˈskil\
Definition of SKILL for Kids
1
: ability that comes from training or practice <The band played with skill.>
2
: a developed or acquired ability <The skill of diving can be learned.>
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