A skewer is a thin metal or wood stick used to hold small pieces of food together. Skewers are used while grilling or roasting meats, and in other culinary applications.
Metal skewers are typically stainless steel and will have a pointed tip on one end and a grip of some kind on the other end for ease of removing the food. Metal skewers are recommended for reuse, whereas wooden skewers are not.
When grilling, wooden skewers must be soaked in water prior to assembling and cooking to avoid burning. Wooden skewers are most often made from bamboo, however other woods may be used.
Small, often decorative, skewers of glass, metal, wood or bamboo known as 'olive picks' are often used for garnishes on cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
The phrase "to be skewered" is used as slang for "to be stabbed".