skeleton

noun

ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce skeleton (audio)
Definition of skeletonnext
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form Native Americans covered the skeletons of their wigwams with bark, rush mats, or hides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of skeleton But there’s something very freeing for all my skeletons to be out of the closet. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 3 Aug. 2026 Responsibilities that had once been divided among specialists were redistributed among a skeleton crew. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Fan-favorite attractions at the natural history museum include Rusty the Giant Sloth, a life-sized replica of a giant ground sloth skeleton. — Samantha Lande, Midwest Living, 30 July 2026 Rather than ignore the criticism, staff turned it into a merchandise design, featuring the review on the back and a whale skeleton on the front. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for skeleton
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skeleton
  1. structure
  2. framework
  3. architecture
Noun
  • At the Base of Trees and Shrubs Fences and rock walls aren’t the only structures poison ivy likes to climb.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Giving copper a twist The researchers fabricated electrodes with helical copper structures via electrodeposition using a chiral templating reagent.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of structure
Noun
  • The framework for a deal was consummated in a matter of days, Iger said, although the sale agreed upon Wednesday needs to be approved by the NBA Board of Governors.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The framework includes guidelines allowing residential construction on property owned by public institutions, churches and nonprofits.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of framework
Noun
  • Artistic traditions likewise blended across Eurasia, particularly in Persian and Chinese painting and architecture.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In March, a group of eight architecture and culture groups filed a separate suit to block the renovation.
    — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of architecture

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skeletal
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Cite this Entry

“Skeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skeleton. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skeleton

Nglish: Translation of skeleton for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skeleton

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