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Definition of skittery

skittery

/ˈskɪt.ɚ.i/
skit · ter · y
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skittery Lexical Profile

skittery Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Easily startled, nervous, or restlessly unpredictable; skittish.

Example

"The rescued colt remained skittery around strangers for several weeks before finally settling into his new pasture."

2

Moving or darting about with light, rapid, and erratic motions.

Example

"Small, skittery crabs vanished into the wet sand as soon as our shadows crossed the tide pool."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for skittery

• Nearby Words

skirting
skit
skitter
skittery
skittish
skittishly
skittishness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the verb 'skitter' (a frequentative form of 'skite', of Scandinavian origin meaning to shoot or dart quickly) plus the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skittery. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skittery
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