skeletal

adjective

skel·​e·​tal ˈske-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
Synonyms of skeletalnext
: of, relating to, forming, attached to, or resembling a skeleton
skeletally
ˈske-lə-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of skeletal

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Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains. She was skeletal after her illness.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only shattered glass and the skeletal frame of the Haussmannian roof remain of Limoges’ 19th century town hall. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 Not wanting a didactic feel, Ebenstein eschewed labels for the art, artifacts, masks, toys, skeletal and wet specimens, wax scientific models, devotional objects, vintage taxidermy and books. — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Another set of skeletal remains was discovered that May, and they were identified as a drowning victim from 2002. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Scientists liken the difference to comparing an MRI, which highlights soft tissues, with an X-ray that emphasizes skeletal structures. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeletal

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skeletal was in 1854

Phrases Containing skeletal

Rhymes for skeletal

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Browse Nearby Words

skelet-
skeletal
skeletal muscle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skeletal

adjective
skel·​e·​tal ˈskel-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce skeletal (audio)
: 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
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