Skim: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you quickly go through a text to get the general idea without focusing on details.

• I only had time to skim the report before the meeting.
• She skimmed the article to find the main points.

Often used when casually looking through a collection of items, such as books or websites, without a specific goal.

• I like to browse the bookstore for new releases.
• He spent the afternoon browsing the internet for travel ideas.

Applies to quickly looking over material to find specific information. It often involves some level of detail compared to skimming.

• He scanned the document for any errors before printing it.
• She scanned the crowd to find her friend.

Used when you take a quick look at something. It usually means looking briefly and then looking away.

• She glanced at her watch during the lecture.
• I took a glance at the headlines while waiting for my coffee.

Appropriate when talking about quickly removing the top layer of a liquid or reading something quickly to get the main ideas.

• She skimmed the report to catch the main points
• Skim the cream off the milk

Can be used in general situations when talking about taking something away from a place or clinging on to something.

• Please remove your shoes before entering
• The tumor was successfully removed

Often used when referring to the action of an airplane departing, but can also mean removing clothing or increasing rapidly.

• The plane will take off in an hour
• He took off his coat because it was too warm inside

Used when talking about making something free of dirt, mess, or impurities.

• He cleaned the kitchen after cooking
• The company will clean the beach of any trash

Typically used when referring to the removal of impurities or substances from a liquid, or when reading something quickly without going into details.

• She skimmed the report before the meeting.
• He needed to skim the foam off the boiling soup.

Used when describing the thick, rich layer that forms on the top of milk when it is left to sit for a while.

• She scooped the cream layer off the milk to make butter.
• The cream layer on top of fresh milk is delicious.

A technical term used to describe the fat content found in milk and dairy products. It is often used in nutritional or scientific contexts.

• Milk fat percentage is an important factor in cheese making.
• The nutrition label shows the amount of milk fat per serving.

A general term that can describe the outermost section of any layered substance or object, not limited to dairy products.

• The top layer of soil was very fertile.
• She carefully removed the top layer of the cake to add more frosting.