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Skimming in Irish (Scimeáil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scimeáil’ also means: surfing · to surf

The Irish for skimming is scimeáil, a feminine noun. Ag scimeáil is surfing, from the verb scimeáil.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “skimming” in Irish

Irish:
scimeáil
English:
skimming, surfing
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
scimeáil, to surf (ag scimeáil, surfing)
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“SHKIM-awl”  /ʃkʲɪmʲaːlʲ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scimeála, na scimeála (e.g. am scimeála, skimming time)

What does “scimeáil” mean?

“Scimeáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

skimming
The verbal noun of the verb scimeáil: the act of skimming, for example removing cream or scum from the surface of a liquid.Also: skim.
1 other meaning: surfing
2surfing
Browsing or surfing the internet, moving quickly from page to page.Also: browsing, web surfing, internet surfing.
Other entries for “scimeáil”

The same spelling has its own page as:

“Scimeáil” as a verbal noun

After ag, scimeáil means surfing: it is the verbal noun of the verb scimeáil (to surf). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
scimeáilverbal noun
=
ag scimeáilsurfing

“Scimeáil” with the article

Here is scimeáil after the article (an t-alt).

an scimeáil
the skimming
No change after an

“Scimeáil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scimeáil, the Irish word for skimming.

Is breá liom bheith ag scimeáil ar an Idirlíon.
I love surfing the internet.
Bím ag scimeáil ar an idirlíon gach oíche.
I surf the internet every night.
Chaith sí uair an chloig ag scimeáil.
She spent an hour surfing.
Bhí sé ag scimeáil an uachtair den bhainne.
He was skimming the cream off the milk.
Is cur amú ama an scimeáil sin.
That surfing is a waste of time.
Ní maith liom an iomarca scimeála.
I don't like too much surfing.
Cén brabhsálaí a úsáideann tú agus tú ag scimeáil?
What browser do you use when surfing?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Skimming in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for skimming?

The Irish for skimming is scimeáil (pronounced “SHKIM-awl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean surfing.

How do you pronounce scimeáil in Irish?

Scimeáil is said like “SHKIM-awl” (IPA /ʃkʲɪmʲaːlʲ/).

Does scimeáil have a plural?

No plural form is given for scimeáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does scimeáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scimeáil can mean skimming or surfing, depending on context; the first is the most common. Scimeáil also has its own entry as a verb meaning to surf.

Is scimeáil the only word for browsing the internet?

No, brabhsáil is also used, but scimeáil ar an Idirlíon is a common way to say surfing the internet.

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