Skirt Definition: Explanation, Synonyms, and Practice

Define “skirt” through its typical usage. Below, you can see a demonstration of how native speakers implement this word in their speech. Repeat and create something similar.

Discover various synonymous expressions that come with a “skirt.” This will make your English more diverse and flexible.

Related nouns: dress clothing outfit

Synonyms (contextual): none, it is a specific noun

Common collocations: wear a skirt buy a skirt choose a skirt

Learn how to say “skirt” with other parts of speech. This skill is highly important for your understanding of simple collocations in English and for creating them.

With adjectives: short skirt denim skirt long skirt

With verbs: put on a skirt take a skirt try on a skirt

With nouns (noun + noun): skirt length skirt style skirt suit

Discover the “skirt” meaning within the idiomatic expressions, since they mean more than just a part of modern clothing culture.

• Skirt around — to go around the edge of something physically or to avoid talking about something directly, especially if it is a sensitive topic.

  Stop skirting around the issue and tell me exactly what happened!

• On the skirts of — means on the edge or on the outskirts of a certain area. Sometimes it refers to being at the border of something.

  They built their house on the skirts of the city, far from the noise.

• Pencil skirt — is a slim, straight skirt that fits closely to the body and usually ends at or just below the knee. It is called “pencil” because it has a narrow, straight shape like a pencil.

  A pencil skirt is perfect for a clean, simple style without too much detail.

This short practice set helps you check your understanding of this word in its different meanings. Practice makes perfect!

Look at how to spell “skirt” and pronounce this word correctly in other European languages such as French, Spanish and German. 

Read these surprising cultural, economic and historical details about the “skirt” that show how deeply this simple garment is woven into human society.

• Men wore skirts throughout history.

  Skirts have been worn by men and women for thousands of years in various cultures. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans wore skirt-like clothes. Also, in some cultures, such as the Scottish kilt or the Fijian sulu, men still wear skirts today.

• Some people believe that skirt length predicts the economy.

  The “hemline index” theory is accepted by some economists, which indicates that skirt lengths go up during rising periods of the economy and down during recessions. In boom periods, the public is self-assured and dresses in revealing and short skirts; in financial crises, skirts become longer and more reserved.

• The mini skirt was a fashion revolution.

  The British designer Mary Quant introduced the miniskirt trend during the 1960s, which subsequently became a symbol of women’s freedom and youth culture. The style was so shocking at that time that some women were even prohibited from entering particular places just for wearing skirts that showed their knees.

• Skirts reflect cultural identity around the globe.

  From traditional Pacific Island garments to ceremonial outfits in parts of Africa and Europe, skirts remain an important element of cultural expression and heritage in many societies.

We can regularly hear and see phrases with “skirt” as well as quotations. We invite you to take a look at them and see how speakers use humor, imagery and clever comparisons to express ideas about communication, truth and creativity.