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

But scratching, picking at scaly areas, harsh treatments, and stress can lead to hair loss. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

This allergy medication targets the root of the problem that causes red, scaly and itchy skin. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

What’s more, even a mild calcium deficiency can cause symptoms like brittle nails, dry, scaly skin, and muscle cramps that progress the further your levels drop. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

The itchy, scaly rash was probably caused by excessive hand-washing and inadequate moisturizing afterward—I’m a parent to a toddler, which means constant diaper-changing and germ-dodging. —Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing scaly

• scaly anteater

Rhymes for scaly

• bailee
• bailie
• baily
• daily
• gaily
• gayly
• israeli
• ukulele

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