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 measure was pushed through so quickly that legislative committees voted only on a skeletal outline. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

If that skeletal density is lower than the density of the surrounding liquid, the structure should float. — New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

In the linocut, Roque is seen to be wearing a scarf and looking almost skeletal. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

The findings suggest compression can enhance the natural skeletal-muscle pump. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 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