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 piece commemorated the 75th anniversary of the execution of the last czar, Nicolas II, and his family, and explored that event through the lens of the 1989 discovery of the czar and his family’s skeletal remains in Yekaterinburg. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

As Becerra surged in the polls, his campaign raced to grow its skeletal campaign staff and raise money. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Last week, Kansas City police said that the skeletal remains found at a home near Nelson were positively identified as 41-year-old Amber Simpson. — Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

The skeletal remains of Michelle were found buried in a shallow grave at the vineyard by a tractor driver, KTLA reported. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 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