sked: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UKNot applicable (non-standard). Mimics informal AmE pronunciation: /skɛd/.US/skɛd/ (informal representation of the first syllable of 'schedule').

Informal / Non-standard / Humorous / Dialectal

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Quick answer

What does “sked” mean?

Informal, dialectal, or humorous spelling of 'schedule'.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Informal, dialectal, or humorous spelling of 'schedule'.

An informal written plan or timetable of events. Also used colloquially as a verb meaning 'to schedule'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In American English, 'schedule' is pronounced /ˈskɛdʒ.uːl/, making 'sked' a direct phonetic spelling. In British English, the standard pronunciation is /ˈʃɛdʒ.uːl/ ('shed-yool'), so 'sked' reflects an American-influenced or deliberately informal/casual pronunciation.

Connotations

The word is highly informal and often used in casual online communication, notes, or humorous contexts. It can sound slightly childish or deliberately folksy.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both varieties. May occasionally appear in personal notes, social media, or in representations of casual speech (e.g., dialogue in fiction).

Grammar

How to Use “sked” in a Sentence

to sked something (for + time)to be skedded (to + verb)to have a skedto check the sked

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
busy skedhectic skedtight skedfull sked
medium
work skedtour skedproduction skedfilm sked
weak
daily skedweekly skedsked changessked conflict

Examples

Examples of “sked” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • Let's sked a meeting for next week (very informal, influenced by AmE).
  • I've skedded the delivery for Tuesday.

American English

  • Can you sked a call with the team?
  • They skedded the launch for April.

adverb

British English

  • Not typically used.

American English

  • Not typically used.

adjective

British English

  • Not typically used.

American English

  • Not typically used.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used in formal business contexts. Might appear in very informal internal notes or chat among colleagues.

Academic

Never used.

Everyday

Potential use in highly informal personal planning, e.g., texting "What's the sked for tomorrow?"

Technical

Not used. In film/TV/theatre, the standard term is 'schedule' or 'shot list'/'call sheet'.

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “sked”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “sked”

  • Using 'sked' in formal writing.
  • Assuming it is a standard abbreviation like 'appt' for appointment.
  • Spelling it as 'sched' (a more common informal clipping).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

'Sked' is not a standard word found in formal dictionaries. It is an informal, phonetic respelling of 'schedule,' primarily used in very casual contexts.

No. You must use the standard word 'schedule' or 'timetable' in all formal writing and speaking tests.

Both are informal clippings of 'schedule.' 'Sched' is slightly more common and often seen in fields like project management or broadcasting. 'Sked' is a more phonetic, playful spelling.

Informally, yes. In casual speech or writing, you might see "sked a meeting" or "skedded for 3 PM," meaning to schedule something.

Informal, dialectal, or humorous spelling of 'schedule'.

Sked is usually informal / non-standard / humorous / dialectal in register.

Sked: in British English it is pronounced Not applicable (non-standard). Mimics informal AmE pronunciation: /skɛd/., and in American English it is pronounced /skɛd/ (informal representation of the first syllable of 'schedule').. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • on sked (informal for 'on schedule')
  • sked-jammer (slang for someone who disrupts plans)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'SKED' as the first four letters of a hastily written 'SCHEDule' where you run out of space or want to be quick.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A LIST (A sked is a concrete, written list of time-bound events).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In our internal chat, we often write 'sked' as a shorthand for .
Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'sked' MOST likely to be acceptable?

Practise

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Five interactive tools to remember words, train your ear, and build vocabulary in real context — drawn from this dictionary.

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