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

Investigators later searched the Ephrata home and storage unit of Jonathan Christ Gerlach, 34, and reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items. —Mark Scolforo, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

Turtles, like all reptiles, require these rays to produce vitamin D and promote skeletal health. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

In other words, weighted vest use and resistance exercise showed some evidence of bone growth, which may translate into skeletal benefits over time. —Kristen Marie Beavers, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2026

The skeletal trees, stripped of their summer green and fiery autumn leaves, stand in a white shroud of snow like stoic models of resilience and grace. —Thomas Cangelosi, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 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