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Definition of barebones

barebones

/ˈbɛərˌboʊnz/
bare · bones
Plural:barebones
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barebones Lexical Profile

barebones Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Reduced to the most essential elements, with no extra features, embellishments, or additions.

Example

"The startup launched with a barebones website and operated on a strict budget."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for barebones

• noun

1

A very thin, emaciated, or skeletal person or animal.

Example

"After weeks of illness, the poor dog was reduced to a mere barebones."

Word Nuance & Usage

Usually hyphenated as 'bare-bones' in formal writing when used as an adjective before a noun, though the solid form 'barebones' is widespread in computing and informal contexts.

• Rhymes for barebones

• Nearby Words

barebacked
barebone
bareboned
barebones
barefaced
barefoot
barefooted

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barebones. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barebones
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