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

Suzanne Morphew’s skeletal remains were found off a dirt road in southern Colorado in 2023. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

The team developed a measure called skeletal density to predict flotation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Like trees that produce annual growth rings, corals add skeletal layers of calcium carbonate year after year. — Julia Cole, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Who’s flaunting their skeletal frame and who hides a bit behind a couture wall of feathers? — Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 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