1. To take away a layer of something from the surface of some kind of liquid: Trudy, the cook, was skimming the fat from the chicken broth.
2. To take a quick look at or to read something quickly in order to get the main ideas: Glen skimmed his assigned reading so he could at least have some idea of what the story was about.
3. To throw a stone in such a manner that is skips over the surface of water before sinking: James was skimming stones across the quiet lake very skillfully.

The use of "skimming stones" is mostly British; while in the U.S. the term "skipping stones" is used for such actions.

4. That which moves lightly, or quickly, near or above the surface of something: The farmer could see the ducks skimming just above the water before they actually settled on the surface of the lake.