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 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

Males usually have larger skeletal frames, including bigger hands and feet, which can improve leverage and force production in many sports. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Authorities say the skeletal remains of a man were discovered by hikers near the Oconee River Bridge by Interstate 85 in Jackson County in April 2008. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 31 July 2026

The case begins when skeletal remains surface during ceremonies marking the launch of a highway project, a discovery that puts Moosa Raza on the trail of an elusive prisoner named Mani. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 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