Advertisement

Advertisement

skookum

[ skoo-kuhm ]

adjective

, Northwest U.S., Canada.
  1. large; powerful; impressive.
  2. excellent; first-rate.


skookum

/ ˈskuːkəm /

adjective

  1. strong or brave


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of skookum1

1825–35, Americanism; < Chinook Jargon: strong, powerful < Lower Chehalis (Salishan language of the Washington coast) skwəkwə́m ghost, spirit, monster (hence, apparently “fearsome” > “powerful” in Chinook Jargon)

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of skookum1

C19: from Chinook Jargon

Discover More

Example Sentences

But he knew that Dave Walsh was a big man, worth lots of money, a hi-yu skookum chief.

Although Austin lowered his voice, she drew nearer, prepared to take an intelligent interest in the "new riffles up on Skookum."

Muckluck gaped, sat down a minute, and rocked her body back and forth with hidden face, got up and called sharply: "Skookum!"

Ahnkuttie nika papa yahka papa, hyas skookum tyee kopa konaway Yakima tilikum, klatawa wake siah yahka la tet.

But Skookum had buried a bone under some brushes by the plain and next day the hated Horton dog appeared.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


skollyskool