scalier; scaliest
2
: of or relating to scaly animals
3
: despicable, poor
a regular scaly old shop—
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens4
: infested with scale insects
scaly fruit
scaliness
noun
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
Oak trees can be identified by their hard brown scaly bark, lobed leaves, and acorns.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025
Here’s what to know about the scaly predators: Was that a rattlesnake?
—Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Psoriasis: This skin condition causes red, scaly patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.
—Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Not only were scaly reptiles proliferating, but the predecessors of mammals were also evolving fur and whiskers.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scaly
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025
Here’s what to know about the scaly predators: Was that a rattlesnake?
—Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Psoriasis: This skin condition causes red, scaly patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.
—Health, 16 Aug. 2025
Not only were scaly reptiles proliferating, but the predecessors of mammals were also evolving fur and whiskers.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for scaly
Cite this Entry
“Scaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaly. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scaly
adjective
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
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