skewer

1 of 2

noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

ˈskyu̇r

1

: a pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to keep it in form while roasting or to hold small pieces of meat or vegetables for broiling

2

: any of various things shaped or used like a meat skewer

skewer

2 of 2

verb

skewered; skewering; skewers

transitive verb

1

: to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer

2

: to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively

Synonyms

Verb

• gore
• harpoon
• impale
• jab
• lance
• peck
• pick
• pierce
• pink
• puncture
• run through
• spear
• spike
• spit
• stab
• stick
• transfix
• transpierce

Examples of skewer in a Sentence

Verb

let's skewer our marshmallows on these sticks and start toasting

the satirical comic strip gleefully skewers many of society's sacred cows

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Smoky tender venison skewers echo the meats her father hunted. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024

In the evening, the menu evolves to include chicken skewers, ceviche, Temaki rolls as well as jerk chicken, hanger steak and a range of seafood. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Verb

Whereas other planets have a magnetic field axis that skewers the core and is slightly tilted from the spin axis, Neptune’s magnetic axis not only completely misses the center but also doesn’t go all the way through. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

The View hosts are skewering Donald Trump over his recent false claims that FEMA disaster funds are being sent to immigrants instead of those affected by Hurricane Helene. —EW.com, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skeuier

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skewer

1 of 2 noun

skew·​er ˈskyü-ər 

ˈskyu̇(-ə)r

1

: a long pin for keeping meat in form while roasting or for holding small pieces of meat and vegetables for broiling

2

: something shaped or used like a meat skewer

skewer

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer