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

• 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 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

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