scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

1

a

: covered with, composed of, or rich in scale or scales

b

: flaky

2

: of or relating to scaly animals

3

: despicable, poor

a regular scaly old shop

—Charles Dickens

4

: infested with scale insects

scaly fruit

scaliness noun

Synonyms

• scaled
• squamous

Examples of scaly in a Sentence

His skin was dry and scaly.

the snake's scaly skin was dry to the touch

Recent Examples on the Web

Ichthyosis: Ichthyosis is a group of genetic or acquired skin disorders leading to dry, scaly, and discolored skin; skin pH is higher. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Faced with another scaly creature Monday, Honeywell hoped the snake would be a good omen for the Dodgers. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

Ringworm also tends to be red and scaly, while plaques often have silvery scaling on top of red, inflamed skin. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 3 Aug. 2024

These scaly animals can weigh up to about 77 pounds and live in burrows. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scaly

• scaly anteater

Kids Definition

scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

1

a

: covered with, composed of, or resembling scale or scales

b

: flaky sense 2

scaly skin

2

: infested with scale insects

scaly fruit

Medical Definition

scaly

adjective

ˈskā-lē 

scalier; scaliest

: covered with or composed of scale or scales

dry scaly skin

scaliness noun