# skiff

/ˈskɪf/ (US) · /skˈɪf/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skiff
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a small, light boat for one person or just a few people. You move it with oars, a sail, or a small motor.

For teachers: a small, shallow open boat for one or a few occupants, propelled by oars, sail, or a small outboard motor.

## Examples

- He rows his small skiff across the lake.
- The fisherman loads his nets into the skiff before dawn and heads out to the quiet bay.
- At first light, a lone skiff drifts through the mist, its oars barely rippling the glassy water of the estuary.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.