What does skipper mean?
Skipper most commonly refers to the captain of a boat, especially a fishing vessel or other small ship. In nautical contexts, the term is formal and traditional, denoting the person responsible for directing the vessel and its crew. Skipper also functions as an informal verb meaning to omit or bypass a task, stage, or level: a student may skipper a grade, or an employee may skipper a step in an approval process. This newer use suggests moving past something quickly rather than completing it. The word has a distinctive maritime history: it comes through English from Dutch schipper, derived from schip, meaning ship. Its nautical sense remains its most established and enduring meaning, while the verb sense gives the word a more contemporary, informal application.
The captain of a boat or small ship, especially a fishing or working vessel.
"The skipper ordered the crew to prepare the lines."
Standard nautical terminology in British and American English.
To omit, bypass, or pass over a task, stage, level, or other part of a process.
"The committee decided to skipper the preliminary review."
Informal and commonly used in educational, workplace, and procedural contexts.
The standard plural is used for multiple boat captains or, informally, multiple people who bypass a stage or task.
"The two skippers coordinated their departure."
From the Dutch word for a ship captain, skipper has long been a maritime title, while its newer use in everyday English can mean giving something the once-over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skipper come from?
English borrowed skipper from Dutch schipper, a word derived from schip, meaning ship. The Dutch term originally referred to a ship's captain and became established in English maritime vocabulary. Later, the word was extended to mean someone who skips or omits, probably by analogy with the action of skipping.
Related word forms
How skipper is actually used
The noun is standard nautical language in British and American English. The verb is informal in many contexts, especially in education, work, and procedures; in some regional uses, it can also mean to act as a skipper.
Easily confused with skipper
As a noun, skipper means a boat captain; as a verb, it can mean to omit or bypass a stage, task, or level.