scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

1

a

: covered with, composed of, or rich in scale or scales

b

: flaky

2

: of or relating to scaly animals

3

: despicable, poor

A regular scaly old shop …

—Charles Dickens

4

: infested with scale insects

scaly fruit

scaliness noun

Synonyms of scaly

• scaled
• squamous

Examples of scaly in a Sentence

His skin was dry and scaly.

the snake's scaly skin was dry to the touch

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, its bark is thicker and scalier and its cones are rounder. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

The spa’s wellness pods mimic the scaly exterior of the endangered Sunda pangolin. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

According to the Mayo Clinic, Psoriasis is a long-term disease that causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026

These fatty acids also help improve the symptoms of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema, such as cracked, scaly, and dry skin. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scaly

• scaly anteater

Rhymes for scaly

• bailee
• bailie
• baily
• daily
• gaily
• gayly
• israeli
• ukulele

Kids Definition

scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

1

a

: covered with, composed of, or resembling scale or scales

b

: flaky sense 2

scaly skin

2

: infested with scale insects

scaly fruit

Medical Definition

scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

: covered with or composed of scale or scales

dry scaly skin

scaliness noun