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

However, new analysis of genetic information recovered from cat skeletal remains at archaeological sites across Europe, the Middle East and Asia suggests that the domestic cats familiar today have far more recent origins and were not the first felines to live alongside humans. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Partial skeletal remains were discovered by hikers in February 1981 along Highway 33 in Ojai. —Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

The Atom captures 34 skeletal key points and evaluates every movement by comparing it to an ideal model. —Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 24 Nov. 2025

Wilson and his graduate students have analyzed the skeletal remains of 500 individuals so far. —Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 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