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)
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
Mary HuntExamples of skimmer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Vionic Women's Hayes Skimmers Ballet Flat $135 $65 at Amazon
These chic Hayes skimmers are like a cross between a ballet flat and a slip-on loafer.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025
Tips to avoid fuel-pump skimmers: Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant, as these pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Harrison Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
What to look for in a card skimmer Before putting a card into any device, Ogilvie said to touch the reader.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 14 Aug. 2024
These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skimmer
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Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025
Tips to avoid fuel-pump skimmers: Choose a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant, as these pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Harrison Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
What to look for in a card skimmer Before putting a card into any device, Ogilvie said to touch the reader.
—Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 14 Aug. 2024
These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers.
—Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for skimmer
Cite this Entry
“Skimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimmer. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
skimmer
noun
skim·mer
ˈskim-ər 
: one that skims
especially
: a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming
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