bare-bones

1 of 2

adjective

ˈber-ˈbōnz 

: including only what is most basic or necessary

a bare-bones email program

Skyscrapers of steel hung with curtain walls of glass, these sleek buildings were impressive monuments to bare-bones architectural integrity.

—C. A. Mills

bare bones

2 of 2

plural noun

: the barest essentials, facts, or elements

the bare bones of her life

Examples of bare-bones in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The proposals, released this week and which would go into effect in 2027, prioritize making ACA premiums as low as possible — by expanding bare-bones coverage, allowing insurers to skip creating networks of hospitals and doctors, and repealing standardized plan options. —Bob Herman, STAT, 11 Feb. 2026

Maintenance is $1,181 and the building is beyond bare-bones — the listing only mentions bike storage. —Katie McDonough, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026

Plural noun

Saline, like most other beaches on St Barth’s, is rather bare bones—no bars, no shops, no restaurants—so be sure to pack your own snacks and water. —Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026

This initial funding enabled them to hire a bare bones team to gather the data needed to sway investors. —Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1868, in the meaning defined above

Plural Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bare-bones

• anticyclones
• allophones
• chaperones
• cobblestones
• cornerstones
• francophones
• gramophones
• hydrophones
• microphones
• overtones
• pheromones
• quinolones