skirt1 nounskirt2 verb
skirtskirt1 /skɜːt $ skɜːrt/ ●●● S3 noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINskirt1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old Norse skyrta ‘shirt’EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- But the skirt was so full and my arm so tired that I seemed to be getting nowhere.
- Daughter Chelsea wore a blue-gray, military-inspired jacket with a matching coat and a short A-line skirt.
- Her black skirt swayed from side to side.
- The women wear tight bodices over a long flowing skirt.
- Tina looked fantastic in whatever she wore, particularly jeans or a tennis skirt.
- Today I was all-silk, navy blue blouse and skirt.
WORD SETS
anorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
a green velvet skirt a short skirt and high heelsCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a green velvet skirt a short skirt and high heels· Is this your coat button?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Loretta picked up a straight black skirt from the bed and stepped into it.· Her black skirt swayed from side to side.· She wears a short black skirt and a holster on her belt.· I could wear that with the black skirt and the red shoes.· She was standing there half-dressed, a black skirt, no stockings yet, no shoes, a white blouse not buttoned.
· In a high-collared striped blouse of blue and white, and a dark blue skirt, she looked attractively neat.· She had been wearing a light cotton shirt with a dark blue skirt.· Charlie stared at her gleaming white blouse and dark blue pleated skirt.
· Flared Skirt A full, panelled skirt falls beautifully from a back-elasticated waistband.· She wore a cream-colored silk blouse and a full linen skirt nipped in at the waist.· It buttons through down the back, is fitted to the waist and has a full flowing skirt.· She is wearing a linen blouse, trimmed with lace, and a full blue skirt that swings as she moves.· Finally, the show ended with an ivory satin bustier covered in ivory lace, with an ivory duchesse satin full skirt.· Sister Zoe jerked around, her full black skirt ballooning as she hurried to my side.· She felt the full skirt of her Summer dress being swept up to bare her silken thighs and round firm bottom.· I am wearing a full circle-cut cotton skirt, my first, which I have made in home economics class.
· She also suggested that I wear a skirt, a long skirt.· The women wear tight bodices over a long flowing skirt.· Alan told me when I arrived at a restaurant wearing a long black skirt.· The girl was in a long tweed skirt and long boots so that not an inch of leg was to be seen.· She wore a long skirt and a baggy maroon V-neck sweater, one of mine she had appropriated and almost worn out.
· Reductions include a short pleated skirt down from £80 to £40, jeans down from Pounds 60 to £40.· This version was more modest, with long sleeves and a pleated skirt.· She settled on a plain pleated skirt in burgundy wool, a cream blouse and a lightweight cashmere sweater.· Below her elegant jacket she wore a short pleated skirt and a pair of plastic sandals.· Where to hang the steaming kit for a shadow pleated skirt is always quite a problem.· Charlie stared at her gleaming white blouse and dark blue pleated skirt.· Next Directory pleated chiffon skirt, £64.99.· She wore a white tennis outfit consisting of a blouse and a short pleated skirt.
· The shorts were pleated about the waist and flared widely, giving an illusion of being a too short skirt.· Daughter Chelsea wore a blue-gray, military-inspired jacket with a matching coat and a short A-line skirt.· I felt so cross with myself, so stupid for wearing a short skirt.· Below her elegant jacket she wore a short pleated skirt and a pair of plastic sandals.· She was wearing a uniform with a very short skirt and a white col-lar and lapels.· But fashion, as always, changed and the short skirt fell - literally - from favour and started skimming the ankles.
· Loretta picked up a straight black skirt from the bed and stepped into it.· She put on a straight yellow skirt, just brushing her knee, and a matching vest-top.· I decided to line my skirt with anti-static polyester skirt lining material and used a straight skirt paper pattern as a guide.· She was wearing a fashionable knee-length straight skirt, a silk blouse in a vivid jade-green, and slender-heeled shoes.
· Meanwhile I was fainting in the back seat, just thinking of what that tight black mid-thigh skirt concealed.
NOUN· When she came back, Alice had changed into a cotton skirt and a white blouse that was too small for her.· I am wearing a full circle-cut cotton skirt, my first, which I have made in home economics class.· She picked up a cotton skirt patterned with roses.· She was wearing a white blouse, frilled with lace at collar and cuffs, and a long, mid-grey cotton skirt.· She held a plump baby of about seven months on her hip, and a toddler clutched at her cotton skirt.· She was wearing a long white cotton skirt, flat shoes, and hand-knit cotton top in pale pink.· She slipped out of her cotton skirt and the enormously full paper nylon petticoat she wore beneath it.
· The indescribable sting wrenched a high-pitched squeal from her throat, as she clutched the leather skirt which covered her burning seat.· She wore an emerald green silk shirt, a very short black leather skirt and black tights.
· Belted suit and long slim line pencil skirt with split, in raspberry, teal and black, £69.99.
· Jenny, in a purple tweed skirt and a leather jerkin and black boots, stepped delicately inside.· The girl was in a long tweed skirt and long boots so that not an inch of leg was to be seen.· She was dressed in a sensible tweed skirt and a rather elegant cashmere sweater.· Her tweed skirt was soaking and its friction rubbed sore patches behind her knees.
VERB· I touched the tip of the rag through my skirt and felt it move against my skin.· Mitchell inhaled the laundered fragrance of her skirt, felt the pack of muscles on her thighs beneath the denim.
· And then she moved and with trembling hands smoothed down her skirt.· Astrid smoothed her skirt over her hips and sat down.
· She tugged at her skirt and adjusted her waistband.· She tugged at Thérèse's skirt.· Helen, you mustn't tug her skirt so, you will quite part it from the waistband.
· Below the cardigan she wore a crumpled orange skirt almost to the floor, and black boots.· She also suggested that I wear a skirt, a long skirt.· I felt so cross with myself, so stupid for wearing a short skirt.· She wore a long skirt and a baggy maroon V-neck sweater, one of mine she had appropriated and almost worn out.· She wears a short black skirt and a holster on her belt.· I absolutely hated having to wear a skirt but I soon got used to it.· Below her elegant jacket she wore a short pleated skirt and a pair of plastic sandals.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt► full-length skirt/dress/coat etc► maxi dress/skirt/coat► midi skirt/dress/coat
1a piece of outer clothing worn by women and girls, which hangs down from the waist like the bottom part of a dress: She wore a white blouse and a plain black skirt.leather/pleated/cotton etc skirt a green velvet skirtshort/long skirt a short skirt and high heels2 (also skirts [plural]) old-fashioned the part of a dress or coat that hangs down from the waist3the skirts of a forest/hill/village etc British English the outside edge of a forest etc SYN outskirts4a bit of skirt British English informal not polite an offensive expression meaning an attractive womanskirt1 nounskirt2 verb
skirtskirt2 (also skirt around/round) verb [transitive] VERB TABLE
skirt
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | skirt |
| he, she, it | skirts | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | skirted |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have skirted |
| he, she, it | has skirted | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had skirted |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will skirt |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have skirted |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am skirting |
| he, she, it | is skirting | |
| you, we, they | are skirting | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was skirting |
| you, we, they | were skirting | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been skirting |
| he, she, it | has been skirting | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been skirting |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be skirting |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been skirting |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Hurricane Ben skirted the Florida coast before moving back out to sea.
- The report skirted the issue of the government's responsibility for the crisis.
- I skirted the dike district too - or at any rate two big chicks denied me entry to their purple sanctum.
- It is four miles south of Driffield, and skirted by the Driffield-Beverley road.
- Scarlet relaxed a little: a mine had been skirted.
- We skirted its edges on our way to meet him.
- We maneuvered the canoe so it skirted just past that rock.
- Wild horse and donkey tracks skirted the bases of red, sedimentary hills.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a disappointing speech that skirted around all the main issuesCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a disappointing speech that skirted around all the main issues· Is this your coat button?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Convention demanded that a woman must skirt around the truth, fobbing off a man while leading him on.
NOUN· We skirted its edges on our way to meet him.· But here on the Tatshenshini they cautiously skirted the edges of the whitewater, seeking the most prudent line.
· Intel carefully skirted the issues of Pentium's price and delivery at its ostensible introduction last month.· She didn't know what, but it wasn't like her to skirt an issue.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt► full-length skirt/dress/coat etc► maxi dress/skirt/coat► midi skirt/dress/coat
1to go around the outside edge of a place or area: The old footpath skirts around the village.2to avoid talking about an important subject, especially because it is difficult or embarrassing – used to show disapproval: a disappointing speech that skirted around all the main issues