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Definition of skeleton
skeleton
/ˈskɛl.ə.tən/
skel · e · ton
Adverb:skeletally
•Plural:skeletons
•Adjective:skeletal
skeleton Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
4
Tier
1
Usage
Top 5k
skeleton Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The internal or external framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid material supporting or containing the body of an animal or human.
Example
"The museum displayed a fully articulated dinosaur skeleton in the main hall."
2
A supporting framework, basic structure, or essential part of something, such as a building, organization, or plan.
Example
"The steel skeleton of the new skyscraper was visible from miles away before the glass panels were installed."
3
A very thin or emaciated person or animal.
Example
"After weeks of severe illness and malnutrition, the stray dog was reduced to a mere skeleton."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for skeleton• Rhymes for skeleton
Word Origin & Etymology
From Modern Latin 'sceleton', from Greek 'skeleton' (sōma) meaning 'dried up (body)', from 'skellein', meaning 'to dry up'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skeleton. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skeleton