skeleton
5 synonyms for skeleton, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The framework of bones supporting a human or animal body.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
underframe
How to use skeleton
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
skeleton crew
skeleton key
skeleton in the closet
human skeleton
Etymology
From New Latin "sceleton," ultimately from Greek "skeletós," meaning "dried up" or "withered" — describing a dried-out body.
Full origin of skeleton →Frequently asked questions
What does “skeleton” mean?
The word “skeleton” means the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body. In plain terms, the bony framework of a body, or by extension any bare underlying structure — plus the name of a head-first sledding sport.
How do you pronounce “skeleton”?
“Skeleton” is pronounced SKEH-lih-tuhn (/ˈskɛlətən/ in IPA).
How do you use “skeleton” in a sentence?
Here is “skeleton” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a full dinosaur skeleton.”
What part of speech is “skeleton”?
“Skeleton” is a noun.
Where does the word “skeleton” come from?
The word “skeleton” comes from New Latin. From New Latin "sceleton," ultimately from Greek "skeletós," meaning "dried up" or "withered" — describing a dried-out body.
Is “skeleton” a common word?
“Skeleton” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “skeleton” have?
“Skeleton” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body.
What is the difference between the literal and figurative meanings of 'skeleton'?
The literal meaning of 'skeleton' is the framework of bones supporting a human or animal body. The figurative meaning refers to the basic framework or outline of something before it is filled in with detail, such as a 'skeleton plan' or 'skeleton script.'
Is skeleton a winter sport?
Yes, skeleton is a winter sport in which the athlete lies face-down on a small sled and speeds head-first down an icy track. It is distinct from bobsled and luge, which use different sled positions and equipment.
What does a 'skeleton' outline mean in writing or planning?
A 'skeleton' outline refers to the basic framework of a document, plan, or project before the details are added, such as a skeleton essay or skeleton staff covering only essential roles.
