skimmer

noun

skim·​mer ˈski-mər How to pronounce skimmer (audio)
1
: one that skims
specifically : a flat perforated scoop or spoon used for skimming
2
: any of a small genus (Rynchops) of long-winged marine birds that have the lower mandible longer than the upper
3
: a usually straw flat-crowned hat with a wide straight brim
4
: a fitted sleeveless dress with a usually flaring skirt
5
: a device that is attached to an electronic card reader (as on an ATM) and used to obtain data (such as a credit card number) secretly and illicitly
The credit union said someone had fitted a skimmer over the ATM card slot to collect information on inserted cards but the company said it wasn't sure how many cards had been affected at this time.The Leader-Herald (Gloversville, NewYork)
Once you put your card in, the device, called a skimmer, reads and records all the account information stored on the magnetic strip, and even retrieves your PIN as you punch it into the keypad.Mary Hunt

Examples of skimmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Robert Taylor’s right-footed skimmer found the inside left post in the 39th minute on a perfect assist from (of course) Messi. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimmers. Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024 Hughes said that so far, Blue Springs police have only encountered skimmers on gas pumps. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 The Star-Telegram reported in 2019 that three credit card skimmers were found at one gasoline station on Alta Mesa Boulevard. Dalia Faheid, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Jan. 2024 How to spot and avoid card skimmers The FBI warns that card skimmers can appear on fuel pumps, ATMs and other point-of-sale terminals like parking pay stations. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2024 Authorities warn that credit card skimmers are typically used by thieves at fuel pumps and ATMs. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2024 But there are a lot of bikinis, a man tangling with an alligator using a pool skimmer, and Instagram/TikTok-style videos celebrating the kinds of things that become popular on those platforms. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 4 Dec. 2023 According to court documents in San Diego federal court, similar groups operating locally have installed card skimmers, usually known as overlay skimmers, by installing a counterfeit faceplate over the top of a legitimate card reader. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skimmer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skimmer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near skimmer

Cite this Entry

“Skimmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skimmer. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

skimmer

noun
skim·​mer ˈskim-ər How to pronounce skimmer (audio)
: one that skims
especially : a flat scoop or spoon with holes that is used for skimming

More from Merriam-Webster on skimmer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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