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

But microscopic skeletal details also revealed a decent percentage of these reptiles didn’t only succumb to the food chain. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

An investigation is underway following the discovery of human skeletal remains Tuesday in South San Jose, police said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Police in San Jose have launched an investigation after human skeletal remains were found Tuesday afternoon. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The first case came in May 2022, when boaters discovered skeletal remains in a barrel near Hemenway Harbor. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 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