noun
- soldiers who fight in small groups ahead of the main army, engaging in brief battles with the enemy
Usage: military
Examples
- The skirmishers moved ahead to test the enemy’s defenses.
- Light infantry served as skirmishers during the Civil War.
- The general sent skirmishers to harass the opposing army.
- Skirmishers provided valuable intelligence about enemy positions.
- The skirmishers retreated when they encountered heavy resistance.
- Colonial forces used skirmishers effectively against British troops.