skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈske-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton
skeletally adverb

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains. She was skeletal after her illness.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Red Ghost was said to be a massive, red-haired camel with a skeletal rider strapped to its back. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Postural Changes and Musculoskeletal Disorders Wearing tight pants or belts regularly can put pressure on the skeletal system and nerves, potentially leading to misalignment of the pelvis and muscle imbalance over time. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025 Palestinian civil defense teams officials collect the skeletal remains of Palestinians in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza today. Nbc News, NBC news, 12 Oct. 2025 Sheriff’s officials were investigating after skeletal remains believed to be human were found Thursday in a rural area in southwest Sacramento County. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skeletal

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeletal was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletal. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

skeletal

adjective
skel·​e·​tal ˈskel-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on skeletal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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