1. a brief fight or battle between small groups of soldiers
Usage: military
2. a minor conflict or disagreement

1. to engage in a brief fight or conflict

Examples

• The patrol encountered enemy forces in a brief skirmish near the border.
• Several skirmishes broke out between the opposing armies before the main battle.
• There was a minor skirmish between the two political parties over the budget.
• The debate turned into a skirmish over environmental policies.
• Border guards skirmished with smugglers throughout the night.
• The two teams skirmished over the controversial call by the referee.
• Protesters and police skirmished outside the government building.