1
a
: one that deals in skins, pelts, or hides
b
: one that removes, cures, or dresses skins
2
3
: a driver of draft animals : teamster

Examples of skinner in a Sentence

he's proven himself to be a skinner of guys who are a lot smarter than you, so be wary of any deals you make with him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inskip and her colleagues zeroed in on the medieval city of Winchester, which had not only skinners, tailors, and furriers, but also a hospital for leprosy patients. Bysean Cummings, science.org, 7 Aug. 2024 These girls are not professional animal skinners. Todd Plummer, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of skinner was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skinner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skinner. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: one that removes and processes or deals in skins, pelts, or hides
2
: a driver of draft animals
especially : mule skinner

Biographical Definition

Skinner 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

B(urrhus) F(rederic) 1904–1990 American psychologist

Skinner

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Cornelia Otis 1901–1979 daughter of Otis Skinner American actress and writer

Skinner

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Otis 1858–1942 American actor
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!