skewer

skewer — noun

IPA/ˈskjuːə(r)/
KK[skjˈuɚ]IPA/ˈskjuːər/
  • skewersingular
  • skewersplural

1. a pointed cooking stick that keeps pieces of chicken, peppers, or other food in

1.nounB1
Definition

a pointed cooking stick that keeps pieces of chicken, peppers, or other food in one line while they cook over a fire or grill.

Example

Sana slid pieces of chicken and pepper onto a bamboo skewer.

slide food onto a bamboo skewer

The cook turned each metal skewer so the lamb browned evenly.

Common collocations
  • bamboo skewer
  • metal skewer
  • wooden skewer
  • test with a skewer
Synonyms
  • spit

    usually larger and used for whole animals or bigger cuts of meat

  • cocktail stick

    much shorter and mainly used for snacks or garnishes

  • rod

    general term for a straight bar, not specifically a cooking tool

Grammar Patterns

a skewer

with a skewer

Usage Note

This sense names the stick itself. Sense 2 names the serving of food that is still on the stick, especially on menus or at food stalls.

2. a serving of meat, vegetables, or other food that is presented on the rod used t

2.nounB1
Definition

a serving of meat, vegetables, or other food that is presented on the rod used to cook or serve it.

Example

Rania ordered a chicken skewer and shared rice with two cousins.

order a chicken skewer

Steam rose from the beef skewer on Élise's lunch tray.

Common collocations
  • chicken skewer
  • beef skewer
  • vegetable skewer
  • order a skewer
Synonyms
  • kebab

    often refers specifically to seasoned meat cooked in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean styles

  • brochette

    restaurant-style word, more formal than everyday skewer

  • satay

    usually implies a Southeast Asian style and often comes with peanut sauce

Grammar Patterns

a chicken skewer

three skewers

Usage Note

Common in restaurant, takeaway, and street-food contexts. Unlike sense 1, this use talks about the portion you eat, not the tool by itself.

skewer — verb

IPA/ˈskjuː.ər/
KK[skjˈuɚ]IPA/ˈskjuː.ɚ/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

'Criticize' is the broad, neutral word and can describe anything from a careful complaint to a severe attack. 'Ridicule' focuses on making the target seem silly or laughable. 'Satirize' usually points to criticism through humour, parody, or public commentary. 'Skewer' is sharper than all three: it suggests criticism that lands fast, exposes a weakness clearly, and often leaves the target looking foolish or defenseless.

criticize ↗ridicule ↗satirize

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • bamboo skewer
  • metal skewer
  • skewer the government
  • serve on skewers

Prepositions

Etymology

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb