skir·mish
ˈskər-mish 
1
: a minor fight in war usually incidental to larger movements
2
a
: a brisk preliminary verbal conflict
b
: a minor dispute or contest between opposing parties
the debate touched off a skirmish
skirmished; skirmishing; skirmishes
skirmisher
noun
Examples of skirmish in a Sentence
Noun
Skirmishes broke out between rebel groups.
Violent skirmishes with the enemy continue despite talks of peace.
Verb
Rebel groups are skirmishing with military forces.
The presidential candidates skirmished over their economic plans.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
Watching the map provides all the information about where combatants are moving, what skirmishes they’re engaged in, and where points of convergence may arise.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
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Noun
However the trade saga develops from here, the first skirmishes in a trade war, a dreaded relic of the Great Depression, have begun in the 21st century.
—Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
After all, listening is a great tool for influencing people, navigating conflict, and soothing relationship skirmishes.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
The case has become a classic watercooler smash in both the real world, where pro- and anti-Read protesters clashed outside the courthouse, and on social media where partisans skirmish seemingly without end.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
Watching the map provides all the information about where combatants are moving, what skirmishes they’re engaged in, and where points of convergence may arise.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Cite this Entry
“Skirmish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skirmish. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
skirmish
1 of 2 noun
skir·mish
ˈskər-mish
1
: a minor fight between small bodies of troops
2
: a minor dispute or contest
skirmish
2 of 2 verb1
: to engage in a skirmish
2
: to search about (as for supplies)
skirmisher
noun
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