Skiff: meaning, definitions and examples

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skiff

 

[ skɪf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

small boat

A skiff is a small boat typically used for fishing or leisure activities. It is usually propelled by oars or a small motor.

Synonyms

canoe, dinghy, rowboat.

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Word Description / Examples
skiff

A skiff is a small, lightweight boat, often used for fishing or recreation in calm waters like lakes or rivers. It is ideal for a single person or a small group.

  • He enjoyed fishing alone on his skiff in the early mornings
rowboat

A rowboat is a small boat propelled by oars. It is commonly used for short distances on calm waters such as lakes or ponds, often for leisure or fishing.

  • They rented a rowboat for a relaxing afternoon on the lake
dinghy

A dinghy is a small boat often used as a tender to larger vessels or for sailing lessons. It can be rowed, motorized, or equipped with sails. Dinghies are versatile and can handle a variety of water conditions.

  • After anchoring the yacht, they rowed to the shore in the dinghy
canoe

A canoe is a narrow, lightweight boat pointed at both ends and open on top. It is typically propelled by paddles and is commonly used for recreational paddling, sports, or camping trips on rivers and lakes.

  • They planned a weekend canoe trip down the river

Examples of usage

  • He took his skiff out on the lake for some early morning fishing.
  • The skiff glided silently through the calm waters.

Translations

Translations of the word "skiff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barco

🇮🇳 नाव

🇩🇪 Skiff

🇮🇩 perahu

🇺🇦 шлюпка

🇵🇱 szalupa

🇯🇵 スキフ

🇫🇷 canot

🇪🇸 esquife

🇹🇷 kayık

🇰🇷 스키프

🇸🇦 قارب

🇨🇿 člun

🇸🇰 čln

🇨🇳 小艇

🇸🇮 čoln

🇮🇸 bátur

🇰🇿 қайық

🇬🇪 ნავი

🇦🇿 qayıq

🇲🇽 esquife

Etymology

The word 'skiff' originated from the Middle English word 'skif', which in turn came from the Old French word 'esquif', ultimately derived from the Italian word 'schifo'. The term has been used to describe small boats since the 15th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,533, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.