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

Passing scientists noticed the scaly animal — and discovered a new species. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025

They are typically advised for dry, scaly skin or areas with thick skin, such as the palms of hands and the soles of feet. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025

Psoriasis, a chronic (long-term) skin condition, causes red or silvery-white scaly patches to develop on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp that often feel dry or itchy and cause the skin to crack.123 Psoriasis can be persistent and uncomfortable. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear, often on the elbows, knees, or scalp. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 20 Dec. 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