# skirmish

/ˈskɝmɪʃ/ (US) · /skˈɜːmɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skirmish
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a short fight between small groups of soldiers. It can also mean a small, quick argument between people who disagree.

For teachers: a brief and unplanned episode of irregular or minor fighting, typically between small detachments of armies. Often used figuratively to describe a minor dispute or contest.

## Examples

- The two armies had a small skirmish near the border.
- What began as a minor skirmish over a parking space quickly turned into a loud argument involving the whole street.
- Historians describe the event not as a full-scale battle, but as a series of brief skirmishes that eventually forced the smaller force to retreat into the mountains.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'with' or 'between'.

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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.