skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton

skeletally

ˈske-lə-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of skeletal

• gaunt
• haggard

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains.

She was skeletal after her illness.

Recent Examples on the Web

The authors found distinctive puncture marks, skeletal damage and dismemberment patterns, all of which were consistent with an apex predator that immobilizes prey through concentrated gripping force, rather than prolonged tearing or chewing. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Researchers have unearthed skeletal remains of Nagatitan, a member of the dinosaur lineage called sauropods known for having a long neck, long tail, small head and four columnar legs. —Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2026

Current systems break pitchers down into skeletal numbers and don’t yet have great models for what each muscle is doing. —Eno Sarris, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Despite nearly everyone having a 4K camera in their pocket at all times, no clear footage of a yeti and no skeletal record have emerged after decades of searching. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skeletal

• skeletal muscle

Rhymes for skeletal

• cytoskeletal
• musculoskeletal

Kids Definition

skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈskel-ət-ᵊl 

: of, relating or attached to, forming, or resembling a skeleton

skeletal muscles

the skeletal system

Medical Definition

skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal

ˈskel-ət-ᵊl, British sometimes ske-ˈlēt-ᵊl

: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton

skeletal structures

the skeletal system