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

The adorably scaly creatures are scattered around the world. —Samantha Neely, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2025

The intrepid trio scale cliffs, run across forests and woods all kinds of creatures in pursuit on ground and air to a massive, scaly sea creature from the Colin Trevorrow movies chasing down a yacht battleship with Johansson firing back. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025

These mutations also increase the risk of ichthyosis vulgaris (dry, scaly skin) and keratosis pilaris (small, rough bumps).1 Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers Your symptoms may appear or worsen if you are exposed to certain triggers. —Casey Gallagher, Health, 3 Apr. 2025

Take the Pet Personality Test to better understand your furry (or scaly) companion. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing scaly

• scaly anteater

Rhymes for scaly

• bailee
• bailie
• baily
• daily
• gaily
• gayly
• israeli
• ukulele

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