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
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.
Her attacks often left behind nothing but chilling remnants—torn garments, skeletal remains and the haunting echoes of her roars. Scott Travers, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 In September, authorities confirmed that skeletal remains found by a deer hunter in Wisconsin were those of a preschool-age boy named Elijah Vue who had been missing since February. Stephen Smith, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2025 The discovery of human remains in Taylorsville, North Carolina, is one of several recent incidents across the U.S. where skeletal remains have been found in remote or unexpected locations. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Authorities discovered Michael Shaver’s skeletal remains buried in the backyard, wrapped in a sheet. Paige Harriss, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025 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 22 Jan. 2025.

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
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