What does skirt mean?
“Skirt” most commonly refers to a garment worn around the waist, such as a pleated, woolen, or knee-length skirt. The verb “to skirt” has a different but related metaphorical use: to move around the edge of something or to avoid confronting a subject directly. For example, a speaker may be accused of “skirting the issue” if they address a difficult question only briefly or indirectly. The word can also denote an outer edge or boundary, as in “the skirt of the forest,” though this sense is less common in modern everyday language. Overall, “skirt” is useful because it links the physical idea of something surrounding or extending from the body with the figurative idea of circling around a subject rather than dealing with it squarely.
A garment worn around the waist, extending downward from the waist to varying lengths.
"She wore a pleated skirt to the office."
The term is standard in both British and American English.
To move or proceed around the edge or boundary of something, or to avoid dealing with a subject directly.
"The discussion skirted around the most important issue."
In its figurative use, the verb often implies evasion or deliberate avoidance.
The usual plural of the noun is “skirts.”
"The shop sells skirts, trousers, and blouses."
The word that describes a garment around the waist also means to circle around a subject—almost as if the issue is wearing a skirt and you are circling it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skirt come from?
The word comes from Old Norse skyrta, meaning a garment or shirt, and entered English through the Middle English word skirt. Its development reflects the older use of related clothing terms for loose tunics and shirts, including modern “shirt” and “short.” The verb meaning “to move around” and the later figurative meaning “to avoid” developed from the idea of going around the edge of something.
Related word forms
How skirt is actually used
The noun is common in everyday and formal contexts alike. In the verb, “skirt around” often implies avoiding a topic or issue; “skirt” by itself can also mean to pass along the edge of a place. The expression “skirt the issue” can suggest deliberate evasion, so it may carry a mildly critical connotation.
Easily confused with skirt
A skirt is worn around the waist, while a shirt is generally worn on the upper body and may have sleeves.