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 shopCharles Dickens
4
: infested with scale insects
scaly fruit
scaliness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ichthyosis: Ichthyosis is a group of genetic or acquired skin disorders leading to dry, scaly, and discolored skin; skin pH is higher. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Faced with another scaly creature Monday, Honeywell hoped the snake would be a good omen for the Dodgers. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 Ringworm also tends to be red and scaly, while plaques often have silvery scaling on top of red, inflamed skin. Sarah Bradley, Health, 3 Aug. 2024 These scaly animals can weigh up to about 77 pounds and live in burrows. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for scaly 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scaly was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scaly

Cite this Entry

“Scaly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaly. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scaly

adjective
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
scalier; scaliest
: covered with or composed of scale or scales
dry scaly skin
scaliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scaly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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