skipper
skipper Lexical Profile
skipper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The captain or master of a ship, boat, or aircraft.
"The skipper of the fishing vessel decided to return to port before the heavy storm hit."
The captain or manager of a sports team.
"The team's skipper rallied the players in the locker room with an inspiring speech at halftime."
Any of numerous small, stout-bodied butterflies of the family Hesperiidae, recognized by their rapid, darting flight pattern.
"We spotted a silver-spotted skipper resting on the blooming milkweed in the garden."
• verb
To act as the master or captain of a ship, boat, or aircraft.
"He successfully skippered the yacht during the grueling transatlantic race."
To lead or manage a sports team as its captain.
"She skippered the national team to a historic victory in the World Cup finals."
Word Nuance & Usage
In sports contexts, 'skipper' is frequently used as an affectionate or informal term of respect for a team's captain or manager, particularly in baseball, cricket, and association football.
• Rhymes for skipper
Word Origin & Etymology
The nautical term derives from Middle Dutch 'schipper', from 'schip' (ship). The butterfly is named from the English verb 'skip', referring to its darting, erratic flight pattern.