skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈski-mər 

1

: one that skims

specifically : a flat perforated scoop or spoon used for skimming

2

: any of a small genus (Rynchops) of long-winged marine birds that have the lower mandible longer than the upper

3

: a usually straw flat-crowned hat with a wide straight brim

4

: a fitted sleeveless dress with a usually flaring skirt

5

: a device that is attached to an electronic card reader (as on an ATM) and used to obtain data (such as a credit card number) secretly and illicitly

The credit union said someone had fitted a skimmer over the ATM card slot to collect information on inserted cards but the company said it wasn't sure how many cards had been affected at this time.

—The Leader-Herald (Gloversville, NewYork)

Once you put your card in, the device, called a skimmer, reads and records all the account information stored on the magnetic strip, and even retrieves your PIN as you punch it into the keypad.

—Mary Hunt

Examples of skimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here are some ways to spot a credit card skimmer, according to Capital One. —Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025

How to spot and avoid card skimmers The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025

While credit card skimmers are meant to go unnoticed, there are methods to detect them to safeguard your credit card information and help prevent identity theft. —Marley Malenfant, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024

Card skimmers in Middle Tennessee Card skimmers have become a popular method to steal card information, the Secret Service warned earlier this year. —Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈskim-ər 

: one that skims

especially : a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming