A2noun1K

Skin

UK /["/skɪn/"]/US /["/skɪn/"]/

Definition

the layer of tissue that covers the body

In simple words: The outer layer of your body.

Examples

  • Her skin glowed in the sunlight, making her look radiant.
  • I have sensitive skin that reacts to some soaps.
  • He removed the skin from the apple before eating it.
  • The skin on his hands was rough from years of labor.
  • The doctor examined the patient's skin for any signs of infection.

Usage notes

Used to refer to the human body or animals. In formal contexts, it may refer to conditions or qualities of skin (e.g. skin care, skin tone). Avoid informal applications that may seem derogatory, such as when using it in slang.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'skin' suit that wraps around you, protecting what’s underneath.

Collocations

  • beautiful
  • clear
  • fine
  • break
  • burn
  • damage
  • glisten
  • glow
  • age
  • allergy
  • burns
  • cancer
  • against the/​your skin
  • beneath the/​your skin
  • on the/​your skin
  • skin and bone
  • skin and bones
  • animal
  • crocodile
  • goat
  • cure
  • tan
  • banana
  • onion
  • potato
  • peel off
  • remove

Synonyms

  • derm
  • epidermis
  • hide
  • covering
  • surface

Antonyms

  • bone
  • muscle

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'hide' when talking about animal skin.
  • Using 'skinned' incorrectly (should be 'skin') as the noun in some contexts.
  • Mixing up 'skin' with 'skincare' terms.