skeleton

noun
UK: /ˈskelɪtn/
US: /ˈskelɪtn/

  1. The frame of bones supporting a human or animal body.

    1. The teacher showed us a human skeleton in science class.
    2. Archaeologists discovered a complete dinosaur skeleton during the excavation.

  2. A basic structure or framework, often simplified or incomplete.

    1. I created a skeleton for my essay before writing the full text.
    2. The company presented a skeleton budget outlining projected income and expenses.

  3. A very thin or emaciated person or animal.

    1. After being sick for weeks, he looked like a skeleton.
    2. The rescue team found the dog, a mere skeleton of its former self.

  4. A thing that is a cause of fear, embarrassment, or unhappiness.

    1. The old scandal remains a skeleton in the politician's closet.
    2. Every family has some skeletons they'd rather keep hidden from the public.

Synonyms

outline structure framework draft anatomy
skeleton verb

  1. To provide only the basic structure or framework of something.

    1. She will skeleton out the plan for the new project.
    2. The architect skeletoned the building's design before the engineers got involved.
skeleton adjective

  1. Consisting only of a basic framework with key details.

    1. We need a skeleton crew to keep the project running.
    2. The report provides a skeleton outline of the proposed changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "skeleton" in English means: The frame of bones supporting a human or animal body., A basic structure or framework, often simplified or incomplete., A very thin or emaciated person or animal., A thing that is a cause of fear, embarrassment, or unhappiness..

The phonetic transcription of "skeleton" is /ˈskelɪtn/ in British English and /ˈskelɪtn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "skeleton": outline, structure, framework, draft, anatomy.

Example usage of "skeleton": "The teacher showed us a human skeleton in science class.". More examples on the page.