ENGLISH
REFERENCE

skit

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈskɪt// UK //skˈɪt// skit Archaic Dialect

n. a short, funny performance or play. You usually see these on comedy shows or during a school event.

n. a short, usually humorous theatrical performance or piece of writing. Often satirical in nature and frequently performed as part of a larger variety show or comedy program.


SIMPLE

The students performed a funny skit about their teachers.

CONTEXTUAL

The late-night comedy show opened with a satirical skit about the recent election results.

COMPLEX

While the individual skits were hit-or-miss, the overall energy of the troupe kept the audience engaged throughout the two-hour performance.

Origin

Origin uncertain. Perhaps from Old Norse skjúta (“to shoot, dart, move quickly”), variant of skjóta. Compare flytja (“to move”). Alternately, perhaps a back-formation from skittish, which in turn may derive from Old Norse or another North Germanic language.

© 2026 English Reference