skeletal

adjective

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

Examples of skeletal in a Sentence

The archaeologist found skeletal remains. She was skeletal after her illness.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Archaeologists identified at least five grave shafts, including skeletal remains, buttons, a coffin, and coffin hardware. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024 Most of the skeletal remains come from digs carried out from the 1920s to the late 1950s at Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and other ancient settlements of the Indus Valley, according to ASI Director BV Sharma. Byvaishnavi Chandrashekhar, science.org, 4 Nov. 2024 The crew’s skeletal remains were well preserved, allowing for extensive research into their health and appearance. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 There are balling-up-the-blanket moments as stampeding scarabs devour treasure hunters or when the skeletal and not-yet-human Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) attacks victims with the help of that dastardly Beni (Kevin J. O’Connor), but the violence is largely unseen. Dustin Nelson, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near skeletal

Cite this Entry

“Skeletal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skeletal. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on skeletal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!