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

• gaunt
• haggard

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains.

She was skeletal after her illness.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sheriff’s officials were investigating after skeletal remains believed to be human were found Thursday in a rural area in southwest Sacramento County. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025

The skeletal remains of Captain James Purdie appear in the frame of torchlight. —Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

While analyzing over 300 skeletal remains excavated in northwestern Rome, a team of paleontologists found that the bones belong to a gigantic ancestor of today’s elephant. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025

Some people incorporate sugar skull face painting or wear masks that represent calacas (skeletons) or catrinas/catrines, the elegantly dressed skeletal figures associated with Día de los Muertos. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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