skeleton

noun

skel·e·ton | \ ˈske-lə-tən

Definition of skeleton

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism especially : the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

2 : something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts

3 : an emaciated person or animal

4a : something forming a structural framework

b : the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule

5 : something shameful and kept secret (as in a family) —often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet

6 : a small sled that is ridden in a prone position and used especially in competition also : the competition itself

skeleton

adjective

Definition of skeleton (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, consisting of, or resembling a skeleton

Illustration of skeleton

Noun

skeleton 1:1 skull, 2 clavicle, 3 scapula, 4 sternum, 5 humerus, 6 pelvis, 7 carpus, 8 metacarpal bones, 9 phalanges (fingers), 10 tibia, 11 tarsus, 12 metatarsal bones, 13 phalanges (toes), 14 fibula, 15 patella, 16 femur, 17 ulna, 18 radius, 19 spinal column, 20 rib, 21 orbit

In the meaning defined above

Other Words from skeleton Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about skeleton

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of skeleton in a Sentence

Noun

They found the fossil skeleton of a mastodon. He hung a plastic skeleton on the door for Halloween.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Researchers, after looking at evidence from skeletons in a mysterious burial pit found in 2013 near the town of Osijek in eastern Croatia, say people who practiced artificial cranial deformation appear to have lived in the area at the time. — Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, "Medieval Croatian skulls indicate that people intentionally modified their head shapes. But why?," 29 Aug. 2019 Losing part of one’s skeleton in such a dramatic manner caused me to contemplate mortality, which caused me to consider how my experiences at this end of life might benefit you, the younger reader. — Washington Post, "Gene Weingarten: A few (end of) life hacks for the young geezers," 24 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skeleton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for skeleton

skeleton

noun

English Language Learners Definition of skeleton

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the structure of bones that supports the body of a person or animal

: a set or model of all the bones in the body of a person

: a very thin person or animal

skeleton

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of skeleton (Entry 2 of 2)

: having the smallest possible number of people who can get a job done

See the full definition for skeleton in the English Language Learners Dictionary

skeleton

noun

skel·e·ton | \ ˈske-lə-tən

Kids Definition of skeleton

1 : a firm structure or framework of a living thing that in vertebrates (as fish, birds, or humans) is typically made of bone and supports the soft tissues of the body and protects the internal organs

2 : framework the steel skeleton of a building

skeleton

Definition of skeleton

Illustration of skeleton

Other Words from skeleton

Synonyms for skeleton

Examples of skeleton in a Sentence

First Known Use of skeleton

History and Etymology for skeleton

English Language Learners Definition of skeleton

Kids Definition of skeleton

skeleton

Definition of skeleton

Illustration of skeleton

Other Words from skeleton

Synonyms for skeleton

Examples of skeleton in a Sentence

First Known Use of skeleton

History and Etymology for skeleton

English Language Learners Definition of skeleton

Kids Definition of skeleton

WORD OF THE DAY