SKIFF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does skiff mean? 

• SKIFF (noun)
  The noun SKIFF has 1 sense:

1. any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

  Familiarity information: SKIFF used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SKIFF (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("skiff" is a kind of...):

small boat (a boat that is small)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "skiff"):

sampan (an Asian skiff usually propelled by two oars)

 Context examples 

Skiff Miller continued to debate with himself, and Madge stole a glance of exultation to her husband, who looked back warm approval.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

The wind was high, and the waves continually threatened the safety of my little skiff.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

One glance, however, was sufficient; and it was only one glance that I durst take from that unsteady skiff.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

Between two and three in the morning the moon rose; and I then, putting my basket aboard a little skiff, sailed out about four miles from the shore.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

I lay down flat in the bottom of that wretched skiff and devoutly recommended my spirit to its Maker.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

Skiff Miller looked at her sharply, seeking in her face the guile her words had led him to suspect.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Skiff Miller patted the dog's head, and slowly and solemnly repeated, "Well, I'll be damned!"

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Skiff Miller arose, no longer awkward with admiration of Madge, and in a sharp, businesslike manner asked, "How long have you had him?"

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Skiff Miller shook his head, no longer belligerent, but kindly, quick to be generous in response to generousness.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

Skiff Miller again debated with himself, though this time aloud, at the same time running his gaze in a judicial way over the mooted animal.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)