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 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

Left to the elements, Hashima’s tower blocks have since collapsed into skeletal ruins, their corridors eroded by vegetation and sea spray. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026

Ho also testified that her left eye was missing and portions of her skull had been reduced to skeletal remains. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 25 July 2026

Inspired by the wild, wild West, this collection is full of skeletal cowboys and twisted desert motifs. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 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