Search Dictionary
Definition of skittishly

skittishly

/ˈskɪt.ɪʃ.li/
skit · tish · ly
Adjective:skittish
JUMP TO:

skittishly Lexical Profile

skittishly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a nervous, excitable, or easily startled manner.

Example

"The young foal backed away skittishly when the barn door slammed shut."

2

In a playfully lively, frivolous, or unpredictably fickle manner.

Example

"The kitten darted skittishly across the living room rug, chasing a sunbeam."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for skittishly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for skittishly

• Rhymes for skittishly

• Nearby Words

skitter
skittery
skittish
skittishly
skittishness
skittle
skittles

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'skittish' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Skittish' dates to the early 15th century, likely derived from a Scandinavian source related to Old Norse 'skjota' (to shoot, dart, or move quickly), originally describing horses that were easily startled.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skittishly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skittishly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.