English Meaning & Definitions
To keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive, or to move stealthily.
- “The thief continued to skulk in the shadows, waiting for the security guard to pass.”
- “He skulked around the edges of the party, clearly uncomfortable and looking for an exit.”
A group of foxes (a collective noun).
- “We spotted a skulk of foxes playing near the edge of the forest at dusk.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “skulk”.
Originates from the Middle English 'skulken', likely borrowed from Middle Low German 'schulken' or Scandinavian sources (such as the Danish 'skulke'), meaning to shirk or hide. It is etymologically related to the concept of lurking or avoiding duty.
Think of a 'skull' hiding in the shadows; someone who skulks is trying to be as invisible as a ghost.
Frequently Asked Questions About “skulk”
1. What is the meaning of “skulk” in English?
In English, skulk (verb) is defined as: “To keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive, or to move stealthily.”.
2. How do you use “skulk” in a sentence?
“The thief continued to skulk in the shadows, waiting for the security guard to pass.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “skulk”?
Originates from the Middle English 'skulken', likely borrowed from Middle Low German 'schulken' or Scandinavian sources (such as the Danish 'skulke'), meaning to shirk or hide. It is etymologically related to the concept of lurking or avoiding duty.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.