skimp

1 of 2

adjective

: skimpy

skimp

2 of 2

verb

skimped; skimping; skimps

transitive verb

: to give insufficient or barely sufficient attention or effort to or funds for

intransitive verb

: to save by or as if by skimping

Examples of skimp in a Sentence

Adjective money would be skimp until she got her first paycheck from her new job Verb Parents shouldn't skimp when it comes to their child's safety. we must skimp and save if we are going to afford a vacation this summer
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.
Adjective
Elon Musk’s product reveals rarely, if ever, skimp on style. Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2024 The caviar is often canned or frozen during the summer and fall to enjoy during the long winters—a taste of sunshine when our daylight hours are shortened to a skimp five. Irina Groushevaia, Bon Appétit, 15 July 2021
Verb
As proudly direct as the food menu strives to be, Rosa doesn’t skimp in the beverage department. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025 If this is your first time RVing, don’t skimp on the setup or delivery services. Joan Pabón, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skimp

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

perhaps alteration of scrimp

First Known Use

Adjective

1775, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1879, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of skimp was in 1775

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimp. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

skimp

verb
ˈskimp
1
: to give not enough or barely enough attention or effort to or funds for
2
: to save by or as if by skimping : scrimp
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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