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
• Nearby Words
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.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.