skirmish Definition In English

• 0 a fight between a small number of soldiers that is usually short and not planned, and happens away from the main area of fighting in a war

  • There was a short skirmish between the two of them over who would pay for the meal.

• 1 to fight for a short time with a small group of people, away from the main area of fighting in a war:

  • The parties skirmished about attorney fees.

  • Although many legal disputes were resolved, lawyers still were skirmishing yesterday in a few places.

  • Rebels skirmished with nearby American forces.

  • Police and protesters skirmished in the chilly rain.

• 2 (in wars) a short fight that is usually not planned and happens away from the main area of fighting, or any short fight:

  • The court skirmish over video rights to the movie continues.

  • Government troops lost a minor skirmish.