Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "skiff" [skiff]

  • A flatbottom open boat of shallow draft, having a pointed bow and a square stern and propelled by oars, sail, or motor. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "skiff" in a sentence
  • "At first, I thought it was a small boat, the word skiff derived from the Germanic schif, akin to ship."
  • "That 14 foot flat skiff is not very different from my boat."
  • "My boat, a scraped and dented 14 foot aluminum skiff is named "The Nutmeg of Consolation" in honor of Mr. Patrick O'Brian who authored one of the best serial sea stories every written."