# skin

/ˈskɪn/ (US) · /skˈɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skin
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. body covering

noun · CEFR A2

the natural outer layer that covers the body of a person or animal.

For teachers: the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.

- You should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- The dermatologist explained that the skin is the body's largest organ and requires consistent hydration to maintain its protective barrier.

### 2. fruit/vegetable covering

noun · CEFR B1

the outer layer of a fruit or vegetable.

For teachers: the peel or outer integument of a fruit, vegetable, or seed.

- I usually eat apples with the skin on because it has many vitamins.
- The recipe specifies that the potatoes should be boiled in their skins to preserve the texture before mashing.

### 3. animal hide

noun · CEFR B1

the skin of an animal that has been removed to be used for clothing or leather.

For teachers: the hide or pelt of an animal, especially when removed from the body for use as a material.

- In the past, people used animal skins to stay warm during the winter.
- The indigenous hunters traditionally used every part of the caribou, including the skins for clothing and tent covers.

### 4. software/game appearance

noun · CEFR B2

a set of graphics that changes how a computer program or video game character looks.

For teachers: a customised graphical user interface (GUI) or character model texture that alters the visual appearance without changing functionality.

- He bought a new skin for his character in the game to make it look like a robot.
- The media player allows users to download various skins to match their desktop aesthetic.

### 5. outer surface of a vehicle

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the outer metal or plastic covering of an aircraft or ship.

For teachers: the external surface covering the framework of an aircraft's fuselage or a ship's hull.

- Engineers checked the plane's skin for any small cracks before the flight.
- The aircraft's aluminium skin must withstand extreme pressure changes and temperature fluctuations during transcontinental flights.

### 6. to remove the outer layer

verb · CEFR B2

to take the skin off an animal or a fruit.

For teachers: to strip the skin, pelt, or peel from a biological specimen.

- The chef showed us how to skin the fish quickly with a sharp knife.
- The taxidermist carefully skinned the specimen to ensure the fur remained intact for the museum display.

### 7. to scrape your skin

verb · CEFR B1

to hurt your skin by rubbing it against something rough.

For teachers: to abrade or graze the surface of the skin through friction.

- The little boy fell off his bike and skinned his knee on the pavement.
- She skinned her elbow against the brick wall while trying to squeeze through the narrow passage.

## Examples

- The sun feels warm on my skin.
- You should apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays during the summer.
- The dermatologist explained that the skin is the body's largest organ, serving as a vital barrier against pathogens and regulating internal temperature through sweat production.

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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.