How to pronounce skirmish
Say it like SKUR-mish. Skirmish has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce skirmish. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKUR
- mish
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Skirmish pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- mishKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of skirmish
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SKUR-mish.
What does skirmish mean?
- A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.
- Any minor dispute.“Three people were arrested after a skirmish in a bar.”
- A type of outdoor military style game using paintball or similar weapons.
- To engage in a minor battle or dispute.
Where does skirmish come from?
From Middle English skirmish (as a verb), from Old French escarmouche (“skirmish”), from Italian scaramuccia, earlier schermugio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying skirmish
How do you pronounce skirmish?
Say SKUR-mish. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɝmɪʃ/. In British English it is /ˈskɜːmɪʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in skirmish?
Skirmish has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKUR). Broken into parts: SKUR · mish.
Is skirmish pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈskɜːmɪʃ/ (SKUR-mish).