English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj Uncommon

skeletal

SKEHL-ih-tuhl

Skeletal (adj) means relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body. Example: “The scan revealed no skeletal damage from the fall.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

adj

1

Relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body.

"The scan revealed no skeletal damage from the fall."

2

Extremely thin, gaunt, or bony in appearance.

"After the illness he looked skeletal and drawn."

3

Reduced to only the most basic outline or framework, lacking detail.

"The report was just a skeletal draft with the main headings filled in."

How to use skeletal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to bones, or — by extension — stripped down to a bare, thin, or basic form.

Common pairings

skeletal structure skeletal remains skeletal outline skeletal frame

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like skeletal.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more skeletal comparative, skeletals plural, most skeletal superlative

Test yourself on “skeletal” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scan revealed no _____ damage from the fall.

Etymology

From "skeleton" plus the adjective ending "-al."

Rhymes for skeletal

metal fetal petal Sheetal parietal societal

See all rhymes for skeletal →

Frequently asked questions

What does “skeletal” mean?

The word “skeletal” means relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body. In plain terms, relating to bones, or — by extension — stripped down to a bare, thin, or basic form.

How do you pronounce “skeletal”?

“Skeletal” is pronounced SKEHL-ih-tuhl (/ˈskɛl.ə.təl/ in IPA).

How do you use “skeletal” in a sentence?

Here is “skeletal” used in a sentence: “The scan revealed no skeletal damage from the fall.”

What part of speech is “skeletal”?

“Skeletal” is an adjective.

Is “skeletal” a common word?

“Skeletal” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “skeletal” have?

“Skeletal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the skeleton or bone structure of a body.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial