What does skewer mean?
A skewer is a slender pointed pin, usually made of wood or metal, used to hold pieces of food together, to cook them over a fire, or to present them for eating. The related verb, “to skewer,” means to pierce or fasten something with a skewer or similar pointed object. Because the image is forceful, the verb is also used figuratively for questioning that subjects someone to a series of sharp, difficult points: a reporter may “skewer” a politician with probing questions. In culinary language, common expressions include “threading vegetables onto a skewer” and “grilled skewers.” The word is natural in both British and American English and is especially associated with kebabs, kebabs cooked on sticks, and other foods intended to be grilled or roasted. Its usefulness lies in combining an ordinary object with a more dramatic figurative sense: what is literally held or pierced together can, figuratively, be caught under intense scrutiny.
A long, thin metal or wooden pin used for holding food together, cooking it over a fire, or serving small pieces of food.
"They dipped the kebab skewers into a garlic-flavoured sauce."
Often used with words such as chicken, vegetable, kebab, and grilled.
To pierce, fasten, or impale something with a skewer or another pointed implement.
"He skewered the tofu and vegetables before placing them in the oven."
Figuratively, it can describe someone being subjected to pointed or persistent questions.
The plural is regular and is used for individual pins or servings of food prepared on them.
"The waiter brought extra skewers and a small bowl of sauce."
From a food skewer to a figurative description of someone 'skewered' by pointed questions, the word turns a simple cooking pin into a vivid image of being pierced.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skewer come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English for a pin or pointed rod used to hold food. The verb meaning “to pierce or fasten with a skewer” developed from that noun. The precise ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, so its relationship to other forms should not be inferred solely from their modern resemblance.
Related word forms
How skewer is actually used
The noun is common in culinary contexts in both British and American English. The verb can be literal, describing food being pierced or secured on a skewer, or figurative, describing a person being subjected to pointed questioning or difficulty.
Easily confused with skewer
A skewer is a pin or rod for holding or piercing food, whereas a skew is an oblique angle or a tendency to deviate from a straight line or balanced position.